Effect of Dose and Timing of Burdock () Root Intake on Intestinal Microbiota of Mice.

Water-soluble dietary fiber such as inulin improves the beta diversity of the intestinal microbiota of mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). The circadian clock is the system that regulates the internal daily rhythm, and it affects the pattern of beta diversity in mouse intestinal microbiota. Burdock () root contains a high concentration of inulin/fructan (approximately 50%) and is a very popular vegetable in Japan. also contains functional substances that may affect intestinal microbiota, such as polyphenols. We compared the effects of inulin and powder on the diversity of the intestinal microbiota of HFD-fed mice. 16S rDNA from the intestinal microbiota obtained from feces was analyzed by 16S Metagenomic Sequencing Library Preparation. It was found to have a stronger effect on microbiota than inulin alone, suggesting that inulin has an additive and/or synergic action with other molecules in root. We examined the effects of intake timing (breakfast or dinner) of on intestinal microbiota. The intake of root in the evening had a stronger effect on microbiota diversity in comparison to morning intake. Therefore, it is suggested that habitual consumption of root in the evening may aid the maintenance of healthy intestinal microbiota.