Evaluating the Potential Prebiotic Effect of Traditional Palestinian Herbs on Probiotic Bacteria: In Vitro Screening for Probiotic Growth Promotion

Description

This research project aims to scientifically validate the traditional Palestinian use of medicinal herbs by investigating their potential as prebiotics—substances that selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Specifically, this experiment will be conducted to systematically test the efficacy of Palestinian herb-derived prebiotics on multiple strains, led by the hypothesis that extracts from three commonly used herbs of Palestinian traditional medicine, Chicory (Cichorium intybus), Sage (Salvia fruticosa), and Olive Leaf (Olea europaea), will demonstrate significant prebiotic activity, by selectively stimulating the growth and metabolic activity of clinically relevant probiotic strains (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species) under controlled laboratory conditions of beneficial probiotic bacteria compared to controls.