NXT USA’s Digexin demonstrates prebiotic effects in an independent study

NXT USA has announced the completion of an independent microbiome study evaluation of its botanical ingredient Digexin, designed to support digestive food comfort and stress-sensitive gut function. It found that it actively engages the existing microbiome and drives beneficial fermentation patterns linked to digestive health, without fiber or live bacteria. 

“We already know Digexin delivers real relief for people dealing with irregular bowel movements, bloating, gas, and especially constipation,” says Eric Anderson, managing director at NXT USA. 

“This study helps explain why, showing that Digexin engages the gut microbiome in a way that promotes butyrate-forward fermentation and balanced microbial metabolism. It reinforces Digexin’s multi-pathway approach to digestive health, without relying on fibers or live bacteria.”

The study was conducted by the gastrointestinal research organization ProDigest, using ex vivo human colon simulation methods.

Botanicals for digestion

The study found that Digexin, a proprietary blend of okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus) and ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera), promoted microbial pathways and produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with a significant impact on butyrate. 

Digexin is a proprietary blend of okra fruit and ashwagandha root.Butyrate is a metabolite that fuels the cell lining between the gut and bloodstream, made up of cells called colonocytes, to support gut barrier integrity and help to improve immune function. It is recognized for its role in supporting intestinal barrier integrity, digestive comfort, and immune signaling. 

The study also found that Digexin promotes a healthy microbial cross-feeding, as its fermentation profile showed a coordinated microbial metabolism indicated by early-stage lactate generation followed by downstream utilization, explains NXT USA. 

“Such coordinated cross-feeding dynamics are characteristic of prebiotic substrates that support ecosystem-level microbial function.”

The study identified another metabolic pattern where Digexin did not stimulate markers linked to proteolytic fermentation, which may cause gastrointestinal irritation and unwanted byproducts. The microbial activity stayed aligned with carbohydrate-driven fermentation pathways. This means it supports prebiotic engagement instead of discriminating against fermentation.

“Shifts in microbial community structure favored taxa commonly associated with SCFA production, reinforcing the functional fermentation data and supporting a coherent, mechanism-driven microbiome response. These compositional shifts are consistent with selective utilization of Digexin by beneficial microbial pathways,” says the company.

Lastly, it also indicated a strengthened utilization of carbohydrate and glycan and reduced activity of some sulfur-related metabolic pathways. This also signals the ingredient’s prebiotic-like mode of action at the microbial function level.

“These findings support Digexin’s emerging position as a next-generation digestive health ingredient with demonstrated prebiotic-like activity — one that engages the microbiome functionally without relying on fiber loading, fragile live bacteria, or postbiotic compounds.”

Gut health technologies

The study used ProDigest’s Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME), an in vitro technology that combines simulation of physiological, chemical, and microbiological properties of the gastrointestinal tract. 

It also used the research organizations’ Kinetic Colon-on-a-Plate system, an advanced human colon simulation designed to replicate microbial fermentation dynamics.

“While the research was conducted ex vivo and not in human subjects, these validated human colon simulation models are widely used to generate mechanistic insights that inform clinical research and product development,” notes NXT USA.

Digexin showed a high-quality, balanced microbial response, supporting a healthy gut microenvironment.Digexin showed a high-quality, balanced microbial response, which, rather than simply stimulating fermentation, supports a healthier gut microenvironment through the existing microbiome.

“Together, these outcomes demonstrate that Digexin is selectively utilized by gut microorganisms in a manner consistent with a prebiotic-like fermentation profile, driving beneficial microbial metabolism rather than nonspecific or proteolytic fermentation,” explains the company.

Digexin in the headlines

Last year, independent third-party testing backed Digexin’s claims in supporting digestive health. This enables brands to use “compliant, ready-to-use claim language” for finished products in accordance with the supplement’s recommended use in the US. The ingredient is neither a probiotic nor a laxative, but claims to ease physical discomfort related to an upset stomach within seven days.

Another study found that Digexin addresses various types of gastrointestinal issues in adults prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. The company stated that at least half of GLP-1 patients experience gastrointestinal side effects. These botanical blends synergistically support gut health through complementary mechanisms.

This dual action targets the “interplay between stress and digestion” — helping normalize bowel rhythms, reduce discomfort, and restore balance, the company said.

It also showcased Digexin at this year’s Expo West in Anaheim, California, US, as a “herbal solution created for the GLP-1 era.”