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Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024:S2095-4964(24)00337-6. [PMID: 38937158 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, playing a pivotal role in the clinical application of TCM. While advancements in energy metabolism, chemical composition analysis, machine learning, ion current modeling, and supercritical fluid technology have provided valuable insight into how aspects of TCM property theory may be measured, these studies only capture specific aspects of TCM property theory in isolation, overlooking the holistic perspective inherent in TCM. To systematically investigate the modern interpretation of the TCM property theory from multidimensional perspectives, we consulted the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) to compile a list of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Then, using the Latin names of each CMM and gut microbiota as keywords, we searched the PubMed database for relevant research on gut microbiota and CMM. The regulatory patterns of different herbs on gut microbiota were then summarized from the perspectives of the four natures, the five flavors and the meridian tropism. In terms of the four natures, we found that warm-natured medicines promoted the colonization of specific beneficial bacteria, while cold-natured medicines boosted populations of some beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of the five flavors revealed that sweet-flavored and bitter-flavored CMMs positively influenced beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria. CMMs with different meridian tropism exhibited complex modulative patterns on gut microbiota, with Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Lung) meridian CMMs generally exerting a stronger effect. The gut microbiota may be a biological indicator for characterizing the TCM property theory, which not only enhances our understanding of classic TCM theory but also contributes to its scientific advancement and application in healthcare. Please cite this article as: Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med. 2024; Epub ahead of print.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jia-Guo Zhan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ying Cao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Chong-Ming Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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Huang YQ, Liu JL, Chen GX, Shen DT, Zhu W, Chen XL, Liu FB, Hou QK. Berberine Enhances Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function by Promoting Vitamin D Receptor Activity. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:143-151. [PMID: 37046128 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate if berberine can act on vitamin D receptors (VDR) and thereby regulate the expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs) in irritable bowel syndrame-diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) rats. METHODS The newborn rats were induced into IBS-D rat model via neonatal maternal separation combined with acetic acid chemical stimulation. After modeling, the model was evaluated and rats were divided into the control group and berberine treatment groups (0.85, 1.7 and 3.4 mg/kg, once a day for 2 weeks). The distal colon was obtained and colonic epithelial cells (CECs) were isolated and cultured after IBS-D model evaluation. The vitamin D receptor response element (VDRE) reporter gene was determined in the CECs of IBS-D rats to analyze the effect of berberine on the VDRE promoter. VDR overexpression or silencing technology was used to analyze whether VDR plays a role in promoting intestinal barrier repair, and to determine which region of VDR plays a role in berberine-regulated intestinal TJPs. RESULTS The IBS-D rat model was successfully constructed and the symptoms were improved by berberine in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The activity of VDRE promoter was also effectively promoted by berberine (P<0.05). Berberine increased the expression of TJPs in IBS-D CECs (P<0.05). VDR expression was significantly increased after transfection of different domains of VDR when compared to normal control and basic plasmid groups (all P<0.05). RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, expressions of occludin and zonula occludens-1 were significantly higher in VDR containing groups (all P<0.05). Berberine plus pCMV-Myc-VDR-N group exerted the highest expression levels of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Berberine enhances intestinal mucosal barrier function of IBS-D rats by promoting VDR activity, and the main site of action is the N-terminal region of VDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Quan Huang
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Lin Liu
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Geng-Xin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Dan-Ting Shen
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Wang Zhu
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Xin-Lin Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Health Statistics, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Feng-Bin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Qiu-Ke Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
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Xiao C, Li K, Teng C, Wei Z, Li J, Zhang S, Liu L, Lv H, Zhong R. Dietary Qi-Weng-Huangbo powder enhances growth performance, diarrhoea and immune function of weaned piglets by modulating gut health and microbial profiles. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1342852. [PMID: 38187371 PMCID: PMC10770244 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1342852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The evolution of nutritional strategies to improve the gut health and microbiota profiles of early-weaned piglets is essential to reduce diarrhoea caused by weaning stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Qi-Weng-Huangbo powder, a traditional herbal medicine consisting of a mixture of Pulsatilla chinensis, Chinese Schneid and Astragalus extracts (PCE), on the growth performance, diarrhoea rate, immune function and intestinal health of weaned piglets. Methods 162 piglets were randomly assigned to the CON group (no PCE added), the PCEL group (300 mg/kg PCE) and the PCEH group (500 mg/kg PCE) at the end of the third week post farrowing. There were 9 replicates of each group with 6 pigs per replicate. The experiment lasted for 28 days and sampling was performed on the final day. Results The results showed that the PCE diet increased the average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (BW) compared to the CON group. Both supplemented doses of PCE reduced the faecal scores of piglets, and the diarrhoea rate in the PCEL group was significantly lower than that in the CON group. The application of PCE diets promoted the development of the spleen in piglets and up-regulated serum immunoglobulin concentrations to enhance immune function, which was also reflected in the down-regulated gene expression of the colonic TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Supplementation with PCE improved intestinal morphology, and all doses of PCE significantly increased villus height (VH) in the ileum, whereas colonic crypt depth (CD) was significantly lower in the PCEH group than in the CON group. The PCEH diet significantly increased the levels of valeric and isovaleric acid in the colon content. Dietary PCEH also improved the colonic microbial community profile, reflected by a significant increase in Shannon's index compared with CON group. The abundance of Veillonellaceae and Rhodospirillales was significantly increased in the PCEH group at the family level. Discussion In conclusion, dietary PCE reduced diarrhoea rates, improved growth performance and enhanced immune function in weaned piglets. These improvements were potentially supported by altered ileum and colonic morphology, elevated colonic VFA levels, and modulation of colonic microbial profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanpi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunran Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zeou Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jiaheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Shunfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyuan Lv
- Peking Centre Technology Co., LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Ruqing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang Q, Bai Y, Wang W, Li J, Zhang L, Tang Y, Yue S. Role of herbal medicine and gut microbiota in the prevention and treatment of obesity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116127. [PMID: 36603782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Obesity is a common metabolic dysfunction disease, which is highly correlated with the homeostasis of gut microbiota (GM). The dysregulation of GM on energy metabolism, immune response, insulin resistance and endogenous metabolites (e.g., short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids) can affect the occurrence and development of obesity. Herbal medicine (HM) has particular advantages and definite therapeutic effects in the prevention and treatment of obesity, but its underlying mechanism is not fully clear. AIM OF THE STUDY In this review, the representative basic and clinical anti-obesity studies associated with the homeostasis of GM regulated by HM including active components, single herb and herbal formulae were summarized and discussed. We aim to provide a state of art reference for the mechanism research of HM in treating obesity and the further development of new anti-obesity drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The relevant information was collected by searching keywords (obesity, herbal medicine, prescriptions, mechanism, GM, short chain fatty acids, etc.) from scientific databases (CNKI, PubMed, SpringerLink, Web of Science, SciFinder, etc.). RESULTS GM dysbiosis did occur in obese patients and mice, whiles the intervention of GM could ameliorate the condition of obesity. HM (e.g., berberine, Ephedra sinica, Rehjnannia glutinosa, and Buzhong Yiqi prescription) has been proved to possess a certain regulation on GM and an explicit effect on obesity, but the exact mechanism of HM in improving obesity by regulating GM remains superficial. CONCLUSION GM is involved in HM against obesity, and GM can be a novel therapeutic target for treating obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Heritage Base, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Yaya Bai
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Heritage Base, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Wenxiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Heritage Base, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Jiajia Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Heritage Base, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Hanlin College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yuping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Heritage Base, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Shijun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Heritage Base, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
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Lu XR, Liu XW, Li SH, Qin Z, Bai LX, Ge WB, Li JY, Yang YJ. Untargeted lipidomics and metagenomics reveal the mechanism of aspirin eugenol ester relieving hyperlipidemia in ApoE-/- mice. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1030528. [PMID: 36618709 PMCID: PMC9815714 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1030528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is induced by abnormal lipid metabolism, which can cause the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and lead to grievous injury to health. Studies showed that AEE had a significant therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemia and is likely to be associated with the up-regulation of cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1), the key enzyme for cholesterol conversion to bile acids, but no research confirmed whether the effect of AEE on hyperlipidemia was related to the gut microbiota and liver lipids. At the same time, more and more studies have shown that gut microbiota and lipids are closely related to hyperlipidemia. Hence, in this study, we investigated the effects of AEE on liver lipids through LC-MS-based untargeted lipidomics and the effects of AEE on gut microbiota based on cecal contents metagenomics by Illumina sequencing in HFD-induced hyperlipidemia ApoE-/- mice at the overall level. The results of lipidomics showed that AEE relieved hyperlipidemia by decreasing the concentration of 10 PEs and 12 SMs in the liver and regulating the pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, sphingolipid signaling pathway, and NF-kB signaling pathway. The results of metagenomics concluded that AEE treatment changed the composition of gut microbiota and regulated the functions of lipid transport and metabolism, as well as the metabolism of bile acids and secondary bile acids. The results of the joint analysis between lipidomics and metagenomics showed that the abundance of Verrucomicrobia, Verrucomicrobiales, Candidatus_Gastranaerophilales, and Candidatus_Melainabacteria was significantly positively correlated with the concentration of SM (d18:1/18:0) and PE (16:0/18:1) in the process of AEE alleviating hyperlipidemia in mice. In conclusion, these results suggested that the effect of AEE on hyperlipidemia was closely related to the gut microbiota by the change of bile acids and liver lipids.
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