Neem Gum Improves Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acid Levels in Hyperglycemia Rats

Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus can alter in gut microbiota, which can reduce gut microbiota metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Decreased SCFA levels can be corrected by administering polysaccharides which act as probiotics. Intestinal bacteria do not digest polysaccharides so bacteria can ferment them to become SCFA. Neem gum is a natural prebiotic that potentially affects gut microbiota composition and the production of SCFA. This study aims to evaluate the effect of neem gum on fecal SCFA levels in the hyperglycemia rat model. Rats were divided into three groups: normal, negative control, and treatment. In the treatment group, doses of neem gum were 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 grams/kg BW/day for 28 days. The examination of fecal SCFA levels using GCMS. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the mean SCFA concentrations between the treatment and control groups. The results showed that rats given Neem gum had a significant increase in total SCFA production in feces compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Concentrations of major SCFAs, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, also showed significant increases in the treatment groups. In conclusion, neem gum has the potential to increase fecal SCFA production in a hyperglycemia rat model.