The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high- (HHGG, Mw 10,000-30,000 Da) and medium-molecular-weight (
MHGG, Mw 2,000-10,000 Da) partially hydrolyzed
guar gum (PHGG) on modulation of gut microbiota and relief of
constipation in mice. Mice were treated with galacto-
oligosaccharide (GOS) and xylo-
oligosaccharide (XOS) at a dose of 1 g/kg bw as positive controls. Low- and high-dose HHGG and
MHGG groups received 250 mg or 1 g/kg bw, respectively. Treatment was administered intragastrically for 15 days, and
constipation model was induced by
loperamide lavage at d 16. PHGG could increase fecal moisture and small intestinal transit and shortened the time to first black stool defecation after
constipation. The highest
short-chain fatty acid production was observed in the high-dose
MHGG group. Additionally, PHGG, GOS, and XOS predominantly promoted the accumulation of Bacteroidetes and inhibited the growth of Desulfovibrio. This study suggested that
MHGG treatment could elicit
constipation relief in mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, partially hydrolyzed
guar gum (PHGG) produced by mannanase hydrolysis was applied for the relieving
constipation in mice. The medium-molecular-weight product (Mw 2,000-10,000 Da) could elicit
constipation relief and modulate the gut microbiota in mice, which shows the potential to act as
dietary fiber for
constipation treatment.