Kepok–Moringa Prebiotic in a Gastrointestinal Disorder Rat Model

Abstrak

Colorectal cancer is a prevalent global health concern, with millions of new cases reported worldwide. Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence reached 34,189 cases (8.6%) in 2020, and its pathogenesis is closely linked to gastrointestinal immunity. When the protective mechanisms of the gut are compromised, it often leads to intestinal infections, with clinical manifestations such as weight loss, bleeding, and reduced microbiota levels caused by malabsorption and mucosal damage. Resistant starch from Kepok Banana extract is considered a potential preventive agent, while a diet rich in iron and vitamin C—particularly from moringa leaves—supports iron absorption and helps prevent chronic diseases. In preclinical research, Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS) induction is widely used to model intestinal inflammation similar to that seen in humans. This study evaluated the effect of a Kepok-Moringa Starch (KMS) prebiotic supplement on body weight and gut microbiota composition, focusing on Lactobacillus and Shigella spp., in female rats. The experiment used 30 female Wistar rats divided into five groups with varying KMS doses, preceded by one week of acclimatization, four weeks of treatment, and DSS induction for five days. The results showed that KMS supplementation in DSS-induced rats significantly increased body weight and altered gut flora composition, with the highest KMS dose producing an increase in beneficial bacteria and a reduction in pathogenic bacteria. These findings suggest that KMS has strong potential as a prebiotic candidate for further development in colorectal cancer prevention.