Media University of Babylon - Faculty of Medicine

A faculty member from the College of Medicine at the University of Babylon has published a distinguished scientific review article titled “Comprehensive Review on Inulin as a Biopolymer: Chemical Structure, Anticancer Effects, Nutritional Potential, and Industrial Applications” in the renowned journal Polymers. This journal is recognized as one of the leading scientific publications globally in the field of polymer sciences. Polymers boasts a high impact factor of 4.9 and holds a prestigious Q1 ranking, positioning it among the top-tier scientific platforms worldwide.
The research conducted by Dr. Laith Jasim Mohammed, a lecturer in the Department of Microbiology at the College of Medicine, delves into inulin—a biopolymer with remarkable potential in cancer prevention and nutritional enhancement. Inulin is considered a pivotal component in the advancement of innovative industrial applications. This study represents a significant leap in understanding and applying biopolymers, highlighting inulin as a promising compound with unique properties capable of revolutionizing cancer treatment, nutritional support, and biotechnological industries. This achievement exemplifies the strength and scientific excellence of researchers in pioneering advanced research fields.
In this review, the researcher emphasizes that inulin is a versatile biopolymer that is indigestible in the upper gastrointestinal tract and functions as a fermentable prebiotic. It selectively promotes gut health and modulates gut-organ axes through short-chain fatty acids and potentially other yet-to-be-identified interactions. Inulin has been approved as a dietary fiber component in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since June 2018. The global demand for inulin is expected to rise in the near future due to its emerging applications in health and disease management.
This review outlines the known applications of inulin across various disciplines, ranging from medicine to industry. It covers its benefits in gut health and diseases, metabolism, drug delivery, therapeutic pharmacology, nutrition, and the prebiotics industry. Additionally, the review acknowledges the growing interest among researchers in addressing knowledge gaps concerning the use of inulin as a key modulator in gut-organ axes