Composition containing black pepper extract and capable of promoting intestinal digestion and absorption and cat food

Abstract

The invention discloses a black pepper extract-containing composition capable of promoting intestinal digestion and absorption and a cat food, and relates to the technical field of animal foods.The composition is prepared by compounding fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil and linseed oil according to a specific proportion based on compound functional grease and natural plant extracts in a scientific proportion; according to the invention, the ratio of omega6 fatty acid to omega3 fatty acid is optimized to an ideal range of (2.5-3.2): 1, black pepper extract with functions of promoting digestion and regulating flora is synergistically added, and through combination of scientifically proportioned functional components and an advanced process, an'intestinal tract-microorganism-metabolism 'experiment verifies that digestion and absorption of cat nutrition are realized, and the effect of promoting digestion and regulating flora is achieved. Meanwhile, the multi-dimensional and systematic improvement of oxidation resistance, inflammation resistance, immunity improvement and metabolism functions is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal food technology, and more particularly to a composition containing black pepper extract that can promote intestinal digestion and absorption, and cat food. Background Technology

[0002] In pet households, many pets are prone to indigestion, unhealthy gut, abnormal stools, and weakened immunity due to factors such as an unbalanced diet, poor digestion, poor absorption, or gut microbiota imbalance. Currently, some products on the market add prebiotics and probiotics to improve the gut environment; however, their actual effectiveness is limited due to low bioavailability, unscientific ingredient ratios, or loss of activity caused by processing techniques. Furthermore, traditional processes such as high-temperature puffing or surface spraying can easily cause oxidation and degradation of heat-sensitive components (such as unsaturated fatty acids and active extracts), not only reducing product efficacy but also potentially causing decreased palatability and digestive burden for pets. Black pepper extract (whose main active ingredient is piperine) shows significant potential in promoting nutrient absorption, regulating gut microbiota balance, inhibiting intestinal inflammation, and enhancing antioxidant capacity; this ingredient may have the potential for scientific application in pet food.

[0003] Meanwhile, the fatty acid ratios in current pet foods still have significant shortcomings, especially the imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids primarily promote inflammatory responses and immune responses, while omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neurodevelopment-promoting effects. Maintaining an appropriate ratio between the two is crucial for preserving homeostasis. An excessively high ratio can lead to chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, skin problems, and metabolic diseases; while an excessively low ratio may impair normal immune responses.

[0004] In the prior art, Chinese patent CN119111691B provides a pet food with added vitamins and fish-derived ingredients that has coat-enhancing and skin-care effects, as well as its preparation method. However, its functional oil ratio lacks scientific design and cannot achieve an ideal balance of Ω-6 / Ω-3 fatty acids. This patent only vaguely adjusts the fatty acid ratio through the combination of "salmon (containing Ω-3) + chicken (containing Ω-6)", without clearly defining the specific ratio of functional oils (such as fish oil, other vegetable oils), and without mentioning optimizing the Ω-6 to Ω-3 fatty acid ratio to an ideal range. Its oil system only contains salmon oil and cannot enhance "anti-inflammatory and lipid metabolism regulation" through the synergistic effect of multiple oils. First, the patent lacks core active ingredients for gut health, failing to achieve multi-dimensional regulation of the gut-microbe-metabolism system. It relies solely on prebiotics such as chicory root powder and psyllium husk powder to improve digestion, thus failing to achieve further synergistic effects such as promoting digestive enzyme secretion, regulating gut microbiota diversity, and enhancing the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Second, the patent's functional verification only focuses on process indicators such as "fish oil adsorption rate and overflow rate," without addressing key evaluation dimensions for gut health such as "intestinal barrier integrity (e.g., DAO activity), gut microbiota α diversity (e.g., observed_species index), and serum / fecal metabolites (e.g., choline and unsaturated fatty acids)." Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a composition that promotes intestinal digestion and absorption and is beneficial to the overall health of the gut. By combining black pepper extract with a variety of high-quality oils, the ratio of Ω-6 and Ω-3 fatty acids is optimized to achieve multiple effects such as enhancing digestion and absorption rate, improving intestinal barrier and flora homeostasis, reducing inflammatory response, and enhancing the body's immunity and antioxidant capacity, thus making up for the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] This invention first proposes a composition containing black pepper extract that can promote intestinal digestion and absorption, the composition comprising a certain proportion of black pepper extract and compound oils; The compound oils include a certain proportion of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil.

[0007] Preferably, the mass ratio of the black pepper extract to the compound oil is (0.0001-0.01):(1-4).

[0008] Preferably, the mass ratio of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil is (0.1-2):(0.1-1):(0.1-0.5):(0.1-0.5).

[0009] More preferably, the mass ratio of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil is 4:2:1:1.

[0010] Preferably, the ratio of Ω-6 and Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the compound oil is (2.5-3.2):1.

[0011] Preferably, the black pepper extract contains ≥95% piperine.

[0012] The present invention also provides a cat food comprising a base formula and a composition containing black pepper extract added to the base formula and which promotes intestinal digestion and absorption, said composition being the composition as described in any one of claims 1-4.

[0013] Preferably, the basic formula includes the following ingredients: fresh chicken, bone-in fresh chicken, sweet potato starch, fresh chicken liver, fresh chicken heart, beet pulp, yeast hydrolysate, cellulose, tomato powder, broccoli powder, psyllium husk powder, chicory root powder, and additives. The additives include the following components: vitamins, trace minerals, taurine, glutamine, mannan oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, and rosemary extract.

[0014] Preferably, the basic formula comprises the following components in parts by weight: 62.5-67.5 parts fresh chicken meat, 8-12 parts bone-in fresh chicken meat, 2.5-7.5 parts sweet potato starch, 5-9 parts fresh chicken liver, 4-8 parts fresh chicken heart, 1-3 parts beet pulp, 0.025-0.07 parts yeast hydrolysate, 0.05-0.45 parts cellulose, 0.1-0.3 parts tomato powder, 0.05-0.15 parts broccoli powder, 0.05-0.15 parts psyllium husk powder, and 0.05-0.15 parts chicory root powder.

[0015] The additive comprises the following components in parts by weight: 0.3-0.7 parts vitamins, 0.4-0.6 parts trace minerals, 0.2-0.3 parts taurine, 0.5-0.6 parts glutamine, 0.2-0.3 parts mannan oligosaccharides, 0.2-0.3 parts fructooligosaccharides, and 0.01-0.05 parts rosemary extract.

[0016] Preferably, the basic formula comprises the following components in parts by weight: 65 parts fresh chicken meat, 10 parts bone-in fresh chicken meat, 5 parts sweet potato starch, 7 parts fresh chicken liver, 6 parts fresh chicken heart, 2 parts beet pulp, 0.05 parts yeast hydrolysate, 0.25 parts cellulose, 0.2 parts tomato powder, 0.1 parts broccoli powder, 0.1 parts psyllium husk powder, and 0.1 parts chicory root powder; The additive comprises the following components in parts by weight: 0.5 parts vitamins, 0.5 parts trace minerals, 0.2 parts taurine, 0.5 parts glutamine, 0.2 parts mannan oligosaccharides, 0.2 parts fructooligosaccharides, and 0.099 parts rosemary extract.

[0017] This composite cat food is made by mixing minced fresh meat, various fruit and vegetable fiber powders, core nutritional additives (including a black pepper extract composition), and fish oil emulsified with soybean lecithin, and then shaping it using a vacuum low-temperature baking process.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The present invention provides a composition containing black pepper extract that promotes intestinal digestion and absorption. Based on a scientifically formulated blend of functional oils and natural plant extracts, the composition optimizes the ratio of Ω6 to Ω3 fatty acids to an ideal range of (2.5-3.2):1 by compounding fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil and flaxseed oil in a specific ratio, and synergistically adds black pepper extract, which has the functions of promoting digestion and regulating gut microbiota, to construct a synergistic functional composition.

[0019] 2. This composition containing black pepper extract can effectively regulate the intestinal microecological balance, enhance the diversity and stability of the gut microbiota; improve the bioavailability of fat-soluble nutrients, enhance the absorption efficiency of minerals and amino acids, significantly improve the apparent digestibility of nutrients such as fats, and prolong the duration of action of functional components in the body; black pepper extract also maintains the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier through anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects; vitamins and optimized ratios of Ω-6 and Ω-3 fatty acids synergistically enhance the body's antioxidant capacity, reduce intestinal inflammatory response, and improve immune function; through the benign regulation of serum and fecal metabolites, it systematically improves lipid metabolism efficiency and overall health status.

[0020] 3. This invention also utilizes a low-temperature vacuum baking process to maximize the retention of heat-sensitive active ingredients, ensuring that the product has excellent palatability, high digestibility and absorption rate, and comprehensive health benefits. It is suitable for cats at all life stages and provides an innovative solution for achieving multi-dimensional and multi-pathway improvement of pet gut health. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the preparation method of the cat food described in this invention; Figure 2 These are images of fecal appearance during the first 5 days of the experiment in Example 1 of this invention; Figure 3 These are images of fecal appearance during the first 5 days of the blank control group test in this invention. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the LEFSe analysis of the fecal differential microbiota in the blank group and Example 1 of this invention; Figure 5 This is a graph showing the differential metabolite analysis of cat feces in the blank group and Example 1 group of this invention; Figure 6 This study analyzed the differential metabolites in cat serum from the blank group and Example 1 group of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "top surface", "bottom surface", "inner", "outer", "inner side", "outer side", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Where the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes and to distinguish technical features, they should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the sequential relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. The embodiments of this invention will now be described according to its overall structure.

[0026] This invention proposes a composition containing black pepper extract that can promote intestinal digestion and absorption, the composition comprising a certain proportion of black pepper extract and compound oils; The compound oils include a certain proportion of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the mass ratio of the black pepper extract to the compound oil is (0.0001-0.01):(1-4).

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the mass ratio of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil is (0.1-2):(0.1-1):(0.1-0.5):(0.1-0.5).

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the mass ratio of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil is 4:2:1:1.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of Ω-6 and Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the compound oil is (2.5-3.2):1.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the black pepper extract contains ≥95% piperine.

[0032] The present invention also provides a cat food comprising a base formula and a composition containing black pepper extract added to the base formula and which promotes intestinal digestion and absorption, the composition being the composition described above.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the basic formula includes the following ingredients: fresh chicken, bone-in fresh chicken, sweet potato starch, fresh chicken liver, fresh chicken heart, beet pulp, yeast hydrolysate, cellulose, tomato powder, broccoli powder, psyllium husk powder, chicory root powder, and additives. The additives include the following components: vitamins, trace minerals, taurine, glutamine, mannan oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, and rosemary extract.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the basic formula comprises the following components in parts by weight: 62.5-67.5 parts fresh chicken meat, 8-12 parts bone-in fresh chicken meat, 2.5-7.5 parts sweet potato starch, 5-9 parts fresh chicken liver, 4-8 parts fresh chicken heart, 1-3 parts beet pulp, 0.025-0.07 parts yeast hydrolysate, 0.05-0.45 parts cellulose, 0.1-0.3 parts tomato powder, 0.05-0.15 parts broccoli powder, 0.05-0.15 parts psyllium husk powder, and 0.05-0.15 parts chicory root powder.

[0035] The additive comprises the following components in parts by weight: 0.3-0.7 parts vitamins, 0.4-0.6 parts trace minerals, 0.2-0.3 parts taurine, 0.5-0.6 parts glutamine, 0.2-0.3 parts mannan oligosaccharides, 0.2-0.3 parts fructooligosaccharides, and 0.01-0.05 parts rosemary extract.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the basic formula comprises the following components in parts by weight: 65 parts fresh chicken meat, 10 parts bone-in fresh chicken meat, 5 parts sweet potato starch, 7 parts fresh chicken liver, 6 parts fresh chicken heart, 2 parts beet pulp, 0.05 parts yeast hydrolysate, 0.25 parts cellulose, 0.2 parts tomato powder, 0.1 parts broccoli powder, 0.1 parts psyllium husk powder, and 0.1 parts chicory root powder.

[0037] The additive comprises the following components in parts by weight: 0.5 parts vitamins, 0.5 parts trace minerals, 0.2 parts taurine, 0.5 parts glutamine, 0.2 parts mannan oligosaccharides, 0.2 parts fructooligosaccharides, and 0.099 parts rosemary extract.

[0038] The following examples and comparative examples are used to further illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The following examples illustrate the application of the composition to cat food, and the formulations of the black pepper extract-containing compositions in different embodiments are shown in Table 1.

[0039] Table 1. Mass parts of raw materials added in different embodiments of the black pepper extract-containing composition

[0040]

[0041] Example 1

[0042] In this embodiment, all ingredients are by weight. The raw materials of the cat food include: 65 parts fresh chicken, 10 parts bone-in fresh chicken, 5 parts sweet potato starch, 7 parts fresh chicken liver, 6 parts fresh chicken heart, 2 parts beet pulp, 0.05 parts yeast hydrolysate, 0.25 parts cellulose, 0.2 parts tomato powder, 0.1 parts broccoli powder, 0.1 parts psyllium husk powder, and 0.1 parts chicory root powder.

[0043] The additives contain the following ingredients: 0.5 parts vitamins, 0.5 parts trace minerals, 0.2 parts taurine, 0.5 parts glutamine, 0.2 parts mannan oligosaccharides, 0.2 parts fructooligosaccharides, and 0.099 parts rosemary extract.

[0044] The raw materials of the composition in this embodiment include: 0.001 parts black pepper extract, 1 part fish oil, 0.5 parts krill oil, 0.25 parts sunflower seed oil, and 0.25 parts flaxseed oil. The mass ratio of fish oil, sunflower seed oil, krill oil, and flaxseed oil is 4:2:1:1.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] The difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the composition and mass fractions of the intestinal health composition are as follows: 0.001 parts black pepper extract, 2 parts fish oil, 1 part krill oil, 0.5 parts sunflower seed oil, and 0.5 parts flaxseed oil. The mass ratio of fish oil, sunflower seed oil, krill oil, and flaxseed oil remains 4:2:1:1, and the other components and their amounts are consistent with those in Example 1.

[0047] Example 3

[0048] The difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the composition and mass fractions of the intestinal health composition are as follows: 0.001 parts black pepper extract, 0.5 parts fish oil, 0.25 parts krill oil, 0.125 parts sunflower seed oil, and 0.125 parts flaxseed oil. The mass ratio of fish oil, sunflower seed oil, krill oil, and flaxseed oil remains 4:2:1:1, and the other components and their amounts are consistent with those in Example 1.

[0049] Example 4

[0050] The difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the composition and mass fractions of the intestinal health composition are as follows: 0.01 parts black pepper extract, 1 part fish oil, 0.5 parts krill oil, 0.25 parts sunflower seed oil, and 0.25 parts flaxseed oil. The mass ratio of fish oil, sunflower seed oil, krill oil, and flaxseed oil remains 4:2:1:1, and the other components and their amounts are consistent with those in Example 1.

[0051] Example 5

[0052] The difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the composition and mass fractions of the intestinal health composition are as follows: 0.0001 parts black pepper extract, 1 part fish oil, 0.5 parts krill oil, 0.25 parts sunflower seed oil, and 0.25 parts flaxseed oil. The mass ratio of fish oil, sunflower seed oil, krill oil, and flaxseed oil remains 4:2:1:1, and the other components and their amounts are consistent with those in Example 1.

[0053] Comparative Example 1

[0054] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that no fish oil is added to the gut health composition. Its composition and mass fractions are: 0.001 parts black pepper extract, 0.5 parts krill oil, 0.25 parts sunflower seed oil, and 0.25 parts flaxseed oil. Other ingredients and amounts are the same as in Example 1.

[0055] Comparative Example 2

[0056] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that krill oil is not added to the gut health composition. Its composition and mass fractions are: 0.001 parts black pepper extract, 1 part fish oil, 0.25 parts sunflower seed oil, and 0.25 parts flaxseed oil. Other ingredients and amounts are the same as in Example 1.

[0057] Comparative Example 3

[0058] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that sunflower seed oil is not added to the gut health composition. Its composition and mass fractions are: 0.001 parts black pepper extract, 1 part fish oil, 0.5 parts krill oil, and 0.25 parts flaxseed oil. Other ingredients and amounts are the same as in Example 1.

[0059] Comparative Example 4

[0060] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that flaxseed oil is not added to the gut health composition. Its composition and mass fractions are: 0.001 parts black pepper extract, 1 part fish oil, 0.5 parts krill oil, and 0.25 parts sunflower seed oil. Other ingredients and amounts are the same as in Example 1.

[0061] Comparative Example 5

[0062] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that no black pepper extract is added to the gut health composition. Its composition and mass fractions are: 1 part fish oil, 0.5 parts krill oil, 0.25 parts sunflower seed oil, and 0.25 parts flaxseed oil. Other ingredients and amounts are the same as in Example 1.

[0063] Blank group

[0064] The difference between this blank group and Example 1 is that the intestinal health composition described in this invention (i.e., black pepper extract and compound oil) is not added, but 2 parts by weight of chicken fat is added as the basic fat source. Other ingredients and dosages are the same as in Example 1.

[0065] Experiments and Tests

[0066] 1. Experimental Methods

[0067] Seventy-seven cats of similar age and body condition, weighing 3-5 kg, with half being male and half female, were selected. All cats were randomly assigned to various implementation examples, blank examples, and comparative examples, with seven cats in each group. Each cat was kept individually in a pet cat cage. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 30-day formal experimental period, and fecal samples were collected for 5 days.

[0068] Before the formal trial, each group of cats was fed high-protein cat food (60% crude protein). The food was changed without transition, and the experimental food corresponding to the corresponding example, comparative example and blank example was directly replaced.

[0069] 2.1 Stool appearance score

[0070] The Bristol Stool Scale (BFS) was used (as shown in Table 2 below). A score closer to 4 was better. A score of 3-4 indicated normal stool, a score of 4 < X ≤ 6 indicated soft stool, and a score of 6 < X ≤ 7 indicated diarrhea. The corresponding table for the stool appearance scores is shown in Table 2.

[0071] Table 2. Correspondence Table of Bristol Stool Appearance Scores

[0072]

[0073] 2.2 Apparent digestibility

[0074] At the end of the 30-day period, feces were collected for five consecutive days, weighed, and stored in a -20°C freezer for analysis. Crude protein (GB / T 6432-2018), dry matter (GB / T 6435-2014), crude fat (GB / T 6433-2006), and crude fiber (GB / T 6434-2006) were determined in the diet and fecal samples. Total energy (ISO 9831:1998) was determined using an oxygen bomb calorimeter. The apparent digestibility of nutrients was calculated using the following formula: Apparent digestibility of nutrients (%) = (nutrient content in feed - nutrient content in feces) / (nutrient content in feed) × 100.

[0075] The results are shown in Table 5.

[0076] 2.3 Antioxidants, intestinal barrier, and inflammatory factors

[0077] Fasting blood samples were collected 30 days before morning feeding. Serum inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-10, serum antioxidant marker T-AOC, and serum intestinal barrier marker DAO were measured using an ELISA kit. Fresh fecal samples were collected after 30 days to detect sIgA. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0078] 2.4 Fecal microorganisms

[0079] Fresh fecal samples were collected at 30 days for 16s rDNA sequencing. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon test for LEFSe analysis were both set with a filter threshold of 0.05, and the LDA score (Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size) filter threshold was set to 3. Results are shown in Table 6. Figure 4 .

[0080] 2.5 Fecal Metabolism and Serum Metabolomics

[0081] Serum and fresh feces collected over 30 days were pretreated and analyzed using LC-MS. Multivariate statistical PLS-DA analysis was used to obtain the VIP (Variable Important for the Projection) values ​​for each metabolite, and differentially expressed metabolites were screened. Differentially expressed metabolites simultaneously met the following criteria: Fold change ≥ 1.2 or FC ≤ 1 / 1.2, p-value < 0.05, and VIP ≥ 1. Results are as follows... Figures 5 to 6 .

[0082] 2.6 Data Processing and Analysis

[0083] One-way ANOVA was performed using SPSS 20.0 software, and the results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Letters represent significant differences; different letters indicate significant differences between groups, i.e., p < 0.05.

[0084] 3. Experimental Results

[0085] 3.1 Effect of nutritional composition on fecal scores in cats

[0086] The results are shown in Table 3. The stool quality in all the example groups with added black pepper extract and compound oils was significantly better than that in the comparative and control groups. Example 1 group performed best, with near-ideal stool shape and the lowest rate of soft stool diarrhea. The other example groups also showed good intestinal health, with stool scores within the normal range. In contrast, the comparative group showed significantly decreased stool quality and a significantly increased rate of soft stool diarrhea, indicating that the absence of any functional component affects intestinal function. The control group had the worst intestinal health and the highest rate of soft stool diarrhea.

[0087] Table 3 Bristol Stool Scoring Table

[0088]

[0089] The feces of the control group during the first 5 days of the experiment were as follows Figure 2 During the first 5 days of the experiment, the stool of Example 1 was as follows: Figure 3 In Example 1, the feces returned to normal on the 3rd day, while the feces in the control group recovered the worst, indicating that the cats that had diarrhea from consuming high-protein foods were significantly healthier by feeding them Example 1.

[0090] 3.2 Effects of nutrient components on intestinal barrier, antioxidants, inflammatory factors and apparent digestibility in cat serum

[0091] Diamine oxidase (DAO) activity showed significant differences among the groups. Lower DAO activity indicates better intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and better intestinal health. Antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) is a comprehensive indicator reflecting the strength of the body's antioxidant defense system. Higher values ​​indicate a stronger ability to scavenge free radicals and resist oxidative damage. Apparent digestibility is a key indicator of an animal's efficiency in absorbing and utilizing feed. Higher values ​​indicate better fat digestibility and absorption, and higher nutrient utilization.

[0092] The test results are shown in Table 4 below. The results for intestinal barrier, antioxidant, and inflammatory factors show that the dry cat food with added black pepper extract and compound oils, Example 1, had the best barrier, antioxidant, and inflammatory factor performance compared to the other groups. However, the comparative examples and the control group of Examples 2-3 were superior. Comparative examples 1-5, compared to Example 1, lacked at least one of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, flaxseed oil, and black pepper extract, respectively. Reducing these components resulted in a decrease in intestinal health, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The control group, lacking all three components (fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, flaxseed oil, and black pepper extract), showed the worst results.

[0093] Table 4. Effects of different dietary regimens on intestinal barrier, antioxidant, and inflammatory factors in cat serum.

[0094]

[0095] The apparent digestibility results are shown in Table 5. Example 1 group showed the best performance in all digestibility indicators, with significantly higher apparent digestibility for crude fat, crude protein, dry matter, and digestible energy compared to other groups. This indicates that the composition containing black pepper extract and compound oils described in this invention can significantly improve the digestibility and absorption efficiency of nutrients. The digestibility indicators of other Example groups 2-5 were also significantly better than the comparative and control groups, but slightly lower than Example 1 group. The digestibility indicators of the comparative groups (lacking one functional component) decreased significantly, with the lowest digestibility observed in comparative group 5 (lacking black pepper extract), indicating that black pepper extract plays a key role in promoting digestion and absorption. The control group had the lowest digestibility indicators, further confirming the significant effect of the composition of this invention in improving nutrient utilization efficiency.

[0096] Table 5. Effects of different dietary regimens on apparent digestibility in cats.

[0097]

[0098] 3.3 Gut Microbial Health

[0099] To visually measure the impact of dry cat food on the gut microbiota of pets, we collected fresh feces from Example 1 and the control group for 30 days of feeding experiment and performed 16S rDNA microbiota analysis.

[0100] As shown in Table 6, the observed_species and pielou_e values ​​in the α diversity index were significantly higher in Example 1 than in the control group, which increased the total number of species in the community and made the proportional relationship between species more harmonious and stable.

[0101] Table 6. Fecal microbiota α-diversity

[0102]

[0103] Note: a. The results of the diversity analysis of the control group and the experimental group are indicated by the rank-mean ratio, and the Mann-Whitney test is used.

[0104] LEFSe analysis results are as follows Figure 4 As shown, *Anaerotruncus* in the feces of cats fed Example 1 for 30 days was significantly enriched in the EXP group. *Anaerotruncus* is a bacterium that produces butyrate and propionate, which is beneficial for improving intestinal health. The fecal microbiota of all cats in Example 1 was improved. In Example 1, this composition effectively improved the composition of fecal microbiota by optimizing the microbial community structure, increasing diversity, and promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, demonstrating a good intestinal health promoting effect.

[0105] 3.4 Fecal and serum metabolomics tests

[0106] 3.4.1 Effects of fecal metabolites

[0107] To systematically evaluate the effects of dry cat food on fecal metabolites, this study collected fresh fecal samples from both the Example 1 group and the control group on day 30 of the feeding trial and analyzed them using GC-MS to comprehensively explore the regulatory effects and potential mechanisms of this dry cat food on host metabolism.

[0108] Figure 5 This is a chromatogram showing the differential metabolite analysis of cat feces in the blank group and Example 1 group of this invention. (See attached image.) Figure 5 CON stands for "blank group", EXP stands for "Example 1", and "Relative abundance" refers to relative abundance.

[0109] The results showed that, compared with the CON group, the EXP group had significantly higher levels of various beneficial metabolites in their feces, including choline, lysophosphatidylcholine, palmitoethanolamine, and various Ω3 and Ω3 unsaturated fatty acids (such as arachidonic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and α-linolenic acid).

[0110] Choline, an essential nutrient, can be converted into important byproducts in the body, such as phosphatidylcholine, acetylcholine, and betaine. The additional choline from krill oil in the formula can help obese cats eliminate liver fat and meet their maintenance energy needs by enhancing lipid mobilization, methionine cycling, and fatty acid oxidation.

[0111] Palmitoyl ethanolamine, an anti-inflammatory component found in egg yolks, helps prevent infections and thus improves overall health. Several unsaturated fatty acids are significantly upregulated, including arachidonic acid (AA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) from the omega-6 series, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), octadecanoic acid (SDA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from the omega-3 series. These fatty acids offer multiple health benefits.

[0112] These substances respectively promote lipid metabolism, have anti-inflammatory effects, enhance immunity, and improve fatty acid balance. The above results indicate that the cat dry food of Example 1 (EXP) can effectively improve lipid metabolism and overall health by regulating metabolite levels.

[0113] 3.4.2 Effects of serum metabolites

[0114] To investigate the effects of dry cat food on serum metabolites, serum samples were collected from the Example 1 group and the blank control group on day 30 (D30) of the feeding trial. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze the effects of the formula on host metabolic function from a systemic perspective.

[0115] Figure 6 This is a chromatogram showing the differential metabolite analysis of cat serum in the blank group and Example 1 group of this invention. (See attached image.) Figure 6 CON stands for "blank group" and EXP stands for "Example 1".

[0116] The results showed that, compared with the CON group, the EXP group had significantly increased levels of various unsaturated fatty acids and functional metabolites in their serum. Specifically, these included omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids (such as octadecanoic acid (2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid) and omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids (such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DHA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), while methionine and lysophosphatidylcholine levels were also significantly increased. Enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed metabolites are mainly involved in pathways such as the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids.

[0117] Omega-3 / 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neurodevelopment-promoting, and lipid metabolism-improving functions. They can also exert systemic health effects by influencing gut microbiota and barrier function. Increased lysophosphatidylcholine levels may be related to the synergistic effect of ingredients such as krill oil in the formula, helping to reduce fat deposition. As the first limiting amino acid for hair growth, elevated serum methionine levels may promote hair growth and improve coat quality in pets.

[0118] The results showed that the cat dry food of Example 1 (EXP) could effectively improve the body's lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory capacity, and immune function by regulating serum metabolite levels, especially the unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, thereby comprehensively improving the overall health of cats.

[0119] In summary, this invention provides a composition containing black pepper extract that promotes intestinal digestion and absorption. Based on a scientifically formulated blend of functional oils and natural plant extracts, fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil are compounded in a specific ratio to optimize the Ω6 to Ω3 fatty acid ratio to an ideal range of (2.5-3.2):1. Black pepper extract, which promotes digestion and regulates gut microbiota, is then synergistically added to create a functional composition with enhanced effects. This composition containing black pepper extract can effectively regulate the intestinal microecological balance, improve gut microbiota diversity and stability; increase the bioavailability of fat-soluble nutrients, enhance the absorption efficiency of minerals and amino acids, significantly improve the apparent digestibility of nutrients such as fats, and prolong the duration of action of functional components in the body. Black pepper extract also maintains the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier through anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Vitamins and the optimized ratio of Ω-6 and Ω-3 fatty acids synergistically enhance the body's antioxidant capacity, reduce intestinal inflammatory responses, and improve immune function. Through the benign regulation of serum and fecal metabolites, it systematically improves lipid metabolism efficiency and overall health. This invention also utilizes a low-temperature vacuum baking process to maximize the retention of heat-sensitive active ingredients, ensuring that the product has excellent palatability, high digestibility and absorption rate, and comprehensive health benefits. It is suitable for cats at all life stages and provides an innovative solution for achieving multi-dimensional and multi-pathway improvement of pet gut health.

[0120] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A composition containing black pepper extract that promotes intestinal digestion and absorption, characterized in that, The composition includes a certain proportion of black pepper extract and compound oils; The compound oils include a certain proportion of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil.

2. The composition containing black pepper extract and capable of promoting intestinal digestion and absorption according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of the black pepper extract to the compound oil is (0.0001-0.01):(1-4).

3. The composition containing black pepper extract and capable of promoting intestinal digestion and absorption according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of fish oil, krill oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil is (0.1-2):(0.1-1):(0.1-0.5):(0.1-0.5).

4. The composition containing black pepper extract and capable of promoting intestinal digestion and absorption according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of Ω-6 and Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the compound oil is (2.5-3.2):

1.

5. A type of cat food, characterized in that, The composition comprises a base formulation and a composition containing black pepper extract added to the base formulation that promotes intestinal digestion and absorption, said composition being the composition as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. The cat food according to claim 5, characterized in that, The basic formula includes the following ingredients: fresh chicken, bone-in fresh chicken, sweet potato starch, fresh chicken liver, fresh chicken heart, beet pulp, yeast hydrolysate, cellulose, tomato powder, broccoli powder, psyllium husk powder, chicory root powder, and additives. The additives include the following components: vitamins, trace minerals, taurine, glutamine, mannan oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, and rosemary extract.

7. The cat food according to claim 6, characterized in that, The basic formula includes the following components in parts by weight: 62.5-67.5 parts fresh chicken meat, 8-12 parts bone-in fresh chicken meat, 2.5-7.5 parts sweet potato starch, 5-9 parts fresh chicken liver, 4-8 parts fresh chicken heart, 1-3 parts beet pulp, 0.025-0.07 parts yeast hydrolysate, 0.05-0.45 parts cellulose, 0.1-0.3 parts tomato powder, 0.05-0.15 parts broccoli powder, 0.05-0.15 parts psyllium husk powder, and 0.05-0.15 parts chicory root powder; The additive comprises the following components in parts by weight: 0.3-0.7 parts vitamins, 0.4-0.6 parts trace minerals, 0.2-0.3 parts taurine, 0.5-0.6 parts glutamine, 0.2-0.3 parts mannan oligosaccharides, 0.2-0.3 parts fructooligosaccharides, and 0.01-0.05 parts rosemary extract.

8. The cat food according to claim 6, characterized in that, The basic formula includes the following ingredients in parts by weight: 65 parts fresh chicken, 10 parts bone-in fresh chicken, 5 parts sweet potato starch, 7 parts fresh chicken liver, 6 parts fresh chicken heart, 2 parts beet pulp, 0.05 parts yeast hydrolysate, 0.25 parts cellulose, 0.2 parts tomato powder, 0.1 parts broccoli powder, 0.1 parts psyllium husk powder, and 0.1 parts chicory root powder; The additive comprises the following components in parts by weight: 0.5 parts vitamins, 0.5 parts trace minerals, 0.2 parts taurine, 0.5 parts glutamine, 0.2 parts mannan oligosaccharides, 0.2 parts fructooligosaccharides, and 0.099 parts rosemary extract.

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