Geranium dielsianum extract powder (MISKAMISKATM) improves the intestinal environment through alteration of microbiota and microbial metabolites in rats

Geranium dielsianum (GD) is a perennial plant found in the Andean highlands of Peru. Over the decades, the decoction of GD has been consumed as a tea protective against diabetes. Furthermore, GD has traditionally been used as an anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diarrheal folk medicine. However, there is little scientific evidence elucidating its effects. This study aimed to test the effect of the GD extract on the intestinal environment. In male Sprague-Dawley rats, GD extract increased levels of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli and decreased levels of Clostridium leptum subgroup and Bacteroides group in the intestine. Furthermore, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid was present at high concentrations in the caecal content of GD extract intake group. Through the above changes in microbiota and microbial metabolites, faecal bulk and moisture increased and caecal pH and putrefactive products decreased. These results suggest that GD extract has a potent prebiotic effect.