Functional and Therapeutics Potential of Inulin

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in inulin, a type of fructan carbohydrate, due to its potential for both functional and therapeutic applications. Inulin is extracted from various plant sources such as chicory roots, Jerusalem artichoke, and agave. It possesses unique physiochemical properties that make it versatile for a wide range of uses in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Our understanding of the human intestinal commensal microbiota and their metabolic products has deepened, shedding light on their role in maintaining host health. As this knowledge has expanded, new health-associated bacteria have emerged. In the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, inulin has shown promise as a delivery system for various bioactive compounds, including probiotics, antioxidants, and drugs.