hy said on the 26th that it confirmed the gut inflammation-relieving and barrier-protective effects of its "prebiotic mixed extract (PME)" and published a related paper in an SCIE-level international journal.
PME is a plant-derived material extracted by mixing mung beans, red beans, and fennel at an optimal ratio. Containing prebiotic components, it serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria when consumed.
hy said PME significantly reduced the expression of cytokines, representative inflammatory markers, in human colon epithelial cells with induced inflammation. At the same time, it increased the expression of key proteins that maintain the physical junctions of the gut barrier, confirming an effect of strengthening the intestinal epithelial barrier.
Similar results appeared in animal tests. In an animal model with induced colitis, administration led to significant changes, including ▲ suppression of colon length reduction ▲ improvement of intestinal permeability ▲ decrease in inflammatory cytokines in serum.
The hy research team analyzed that "vitexin (Vitexin)," an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory component contained in the material, acted as a key component that positively changes the gut environment.
They also confirmed the potential to improve the balance of the gut microbiota. Microbiome analysis showed that upon consumption, the beneficial bacteria "Bifidobacterium" increased, while the proportion of harmful bacteria associated with inflammation decreased.
An hy official said, "This study is a case that scientifically confirmed the functionality of a prebiotic material that can create synergy, not only probiotics," adding, "Based on hy's accumulated strain and natural product libraries, we will advance microbiome research."