RECENT ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF INULIN: A MINI REVIEW

Abstract

Inulin is a polymer primarily composed of fructose units, and glucose unit at the end. It is neither digested nor absorbed in the stomach, thus staying in the bowel. Although it gets metabolized by bacteria in the colon to a gel that helps certain beneficial gut microflora grow, it could be classified as a prebiotic. Multiple research studies have been conducted to uncover its pharmacological use in various chronic disorders, but compiled information is lacking in the current literature. The recent advances in its pharmacological effects such as neuroprotective effects, anti-diabetic, hepatotoxicity, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory were discussed in this article. It showed promising pharmacological properties and can be explored further for developing formulations against the neuro-disorders, diabetes, liver and inflammatory bowel diseases.