Biochemical and microbial meta-profiling reveal the anti-cancer efficacy of Eu—an endemic traditional brew of the Toto tribe from India

Abstract

Abstract Background Eu is a lesser-known and traditional millet-based fermented brew of the Toto tribe from West Bengal, India. The starter culture used in this brew consists of diverse microflora. Identifying those microbes will not only help us gain a deeper understanding of the brew, but also quantify the impacts of this brew on the human system after consumption. Due to the progress in Illumina sequencing technology, the meta-profiling of 16S rRNA has emerged as a valuable resource for exploring the microbiome of any sample. We have utilised this tool (V3–V4 region) to study the microbiome population of Eu. Results The microbial diversity present in the brew was mainly constituted of probiotic and fermenting bacteria. The nutrient profiling of Eu estimated the amount of protein, carbohydrate, free amino acid, and free fatty acid. The nutritional substance present in the brew probably supports the growth of the probiotic microflora. Reverse ecology-based network analysis revealed considerable complementary interaction between humans and the microflora present in the Eu. GC–MS outlining enlisted thirteen potent compounds from Eu, and a comprehensive network pharmacological study on those compounds revealed the anti-cancerous properties of Eu, especially against gastrointestinal malignancy, by reducing the proliferation of malignant cells and forming pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions The current study focuses on the meta-profiling and nutritional characteristics of Eu, which highlight the beverage’s potential as a probiotic health drink. Reverse ecology analysis demonstrated that the probiotic microflora competes strongly against pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, in silico network pharmacological research identified the drink as a potentially health-promoting and anti-cancer beverage.