Sung Hee Han

Skin Health Effect of DuOligo Intake Containing Lactulose

In this study, the skin-improving effect was investigated through the oral intake of DuOligo (51.67% lactulose and 15.8% galactooligosaccharides). Thirty seven healthy women (40 ∼ 60 in ages) were divided into placebo group (dextrin) and treatment group (DuOligo group), and each group was given a sample for oral intake for 8 weeks. After that, corneometer value, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin index, erythema index, and wrinkle index were measured. As a result, moisture content of DuOligo group increased 38.22% than control group after 8 weeks significantly (p < 0.01). The TEWL of control group decreased by 3.39 g/h/m after 8 weeks but the TEWL of DuOligo group decreased by 5.32 g/h/m after 8 weeks. The melanin index of the control group was significantly increased with times, but the melanin index of the DuOligo group did not show any significant difference with times. The total wrinkles, length of total wrinkles, number of wrinkles, and depth of wrinkles significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. These results suggested that the applicability of DuOligo as a skin improving functional material was confirmed.

Complex-oligosaccharide composed of galacto-oligosaccharide and lactulose ameliorates loperamide-induced constipation in rats

The purpose of this study was to compare the beneficial effects of galactooligosaccharide (GOS), lactulose, and a complex-oligosaccharide composed with GOS and lactulose (Com-oligo) on loperamide-induced constipation in SD rats. Rats were randomly divided into the following eight groups: the normal group (Nor); constipation control group (Con); and 6 constipation groups fed low and high doses of GOS, lactulose (Lac), and Com-oligo, respectively. Com-oligo increased intestinal transit ratio and relieved constipation in loperamide-treated rats. The group receiving a high dose of Com-oligo favorably regulated gastrointestinal functions such as pellet number, weight, moisture content, short chain fatty acid, intestinal transit ratio, and bifidobacterium number in constipated rats. In addition, Com-oligo restored peristalsis of the small intestine, morphology of colon, and increased interstitial cells of Cajal area. Thus, providing Com-oligo as an oligosaccharide ingredient in nutritional formulas could benefit the health of the gastrointestinal tract.