EFFECT OF CORDYCEPS MILITARIS HYDROLYSATE ON PROBIOTIC GROWTH

The glucogalactomannan is the main type of polysaccharide found in Cordyceps militaris that exhibits prebiotic properties. A prebiotic is a nondigestible dietary fiber that selectively stimulates probiotics' growth and activity in the colon. Mannanase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes mannans and heteromannans to produce mannooligosaccharides which are prebiotics. This study investigated the impact of Cordyceps militaris hydrolysate, derived from mannanase hydrolysis, on the growth of probiotic bacteria. Four strains of probiotic bacteria, namely Lactobacillus plantarum TISTR 543, Lactobacillus casei TISTR 390, Lactobacillus acidophilus TISTR 1338, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus TISTR 451, were utilized in the study. The Cordyceps militaris hydrolysate was obtained by subjecting dried Cordyceps militaris powder to hydrolysis using mannanase-producing bacteria, Bacillus methylotrophicus KS1. The resulting culture media were filtered to obtain the crude mannooligosaccharide (MOS). Various concentrations of the crude MOS were added to the MRS medium used for probiotic cultures to assess their effects on probiotic growth. The findings revealed that the highest growth was presented in Lactobacillus acidophilus TISTR 1338 when a 6.67% concentration of crude MOS was added. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that Cordyceps militaris hydrolysate, particularly the crude MOS obtained from mannanase hydrolysis, can selectively stimulate the growth of specific probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus TISTR 1338. This novel finding suggests that Cordyceps militaris may possess prebiotic properties, which could contribute to a healthier gut microbiota when incorporated into the diet.