The Effect of Varying Concentrations of Embelia ribes on the Growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus as Found in the Gastrointestinal Tract

School Name

Spring Valley High School

Grade Level

10th Grade

Presentation Topic

Microbiology

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption, but is susceptible to diseases. Lactobacillus acidophilus, a key bacteria in the GI tract, is associated with gut health and disease prevention. Embelia ribes (Vidanga), a plant found in South Asian countries, is known for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether Embelia ribes influences growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, potentially enhancing gut health. Methods involved MRS broth with Lactobacillus acidophilus serving as the control, while concentrations of 15%, 30%, and 40% (w/v) Vidanga solutions were introduced in experimental setups. It was hypothesized that as the concentration of Vidanga increases in the Lactobacillus acidophilus culture, the amount of bacteria grown would increase because Embelia ribes can aid gut health, and Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria found in the GI tract. Optical density measurements at 600 nm, obtained using a spectrophotometer, quantified bacterial growth after seven days of incubation. Results of the ANOVA suggested there was a difference in growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus when exposed to the control compared to concentrations of Embelia ribes solutions (15%, 30%, 40% (w/v)). The Tukey post-hoc test suggested that while there was a significant difference between 15% and 30% concentrations, this was not the case between 30% and 40% concentrations (F (3,116)=119, p=<0.01). It was concluded that there is sufficient evidence to suggest the addition of varying concentrations of Embelia ribes in Lactobacillus acidophilus to benefit its growth.

Location

RITA 387

Start Date

3-23-2024 10:15 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 23rd, 10:15 AM

The Effect of Varying Concentrations of Embelia ribes on the Growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus as Found in the Gastrointestinal Tract

RITA 387

The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption, but is susceptible to diseases. Lactobacillus acidophilus, a key bacteria in the GI tract, is associated with gut health and disease prevention. Embelia ribes (Vidanga), a plant found in South Asian countries, is known for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether Embelia ribes influences growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, potentially enhancing gut health. Methods involved MRS broth with Lactobacillus acidophilus serving as the control, while concentrations of 15%, 30%, and 40% (w/v) Vidanga solutions were introduced in experimental setups. It was hypothesized that as the concentration of Vidanga increases in the Lactobacillus acidophilus culture, the amount of bacteria grown would increase because Embelia ribes can aid gut health, and Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria found in the GI tract. Optical density measurements at 600 nm, obtained using a spectrophotometer, quantified bacterial growth after seven days of incubation. Results of the ANOVA suggested there was a difference in growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus when exposed to the control compared to concentrations of Embelia ribes solutions (15%, 30%, 40% (w/v)). The Tukey post-hoc test suggested that while there was a significant difference between 15% and 30% concentrations, this was not the case between 30% and 40% concentrations (F (3,116)=119, p=<0.01). It was concluded that there is sufficient evidence to suggest the addition of varying concentrations of Embelia ribes in Lactobacillus acidophilus to benefit its growth.