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Wang K, Qiu H, Chen F, Cai P, Qi F. Considering traditional Chinese medicine as adjunct therapy in the management of chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora. Biosci Trends 2024; 18:127-140. [PMID: 38522913 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2024.01036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Chronic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Due to changes in diet, lifestyle, and the aging population, the incidence of chronic constipation has increased year by year. It has had an impact on daily life and poses a considerable economic burden. Nowadays, many patients with chronic constipation try to seek help from complementary and alternative therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often their choice. The intestinal flora play an important role in the pathogenesis of constipation by affecting the body's metabolism, secretion, and immunity. Regulating the intestinal flora and optimizing its composition might become an important prevention and treatment for chronic constipation. TCM has unique advantages in regulating the imbalance of intestinal flora, and its curative effect is precise. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between intestinal flora and chronic constipation as well as advances in research on TCM as adjunct therapy in the management of chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora. Some single Chinese herbs and their active ingredients (e.g., Rheum palmatum, Radix Astragalus, and Cistanche deserticola), some traditional herbal formulations (e.g., Jichuan decoction, Zengye decoction, and Zhizhu decoction) and some Chinese patent medicines (e.g., Maren pills and Shouhui Tongbian capsules) that are commonly used to treat chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora are highlighted and summarized. Moreover, some external forms of TCM, and especially acupuncture, have also been found to improve intestinal movement and alleviate constipation symptoms by regulating intestinal flora. We hope this review can contribute to an understanding of TCM as an adjunct therapy for chronic constipation and that it can provide useful information for the development of more effective constipation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Hua Qiu
- Gynecology, Jinan Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Pingping Cai
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Fanghua Qi
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan, China
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Xu Q, Li Q, Yang T, Long J, Huang Y, Luo Y, Fang Y, Chen X, Lu X, Zhao T, Ma E, Chen J, Wang M, Xia Q. Comprehensive quality evaluation of fermented-steaming Fructus Aurantii based on chemical composition, flavor characteristics, and intestinal microbial community. J Food Sci 2024; 89:2611-2628. [PMID: 38571450 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.17052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fructus Aurantii (FA) is an edible and medicinal functional food used worldwide that enhances digestion. Since raw FA (RFA) possesses certain side effects for some patients, processed FA (PFA) is commonly used in clinical practice. This study aimed to establish an objective and comprehensive quality evaluation of the PFA that employed the technique of steaming and fermentation. Combined with the volatile and non-volatile components, as well as the regulation of gut microbiota, the differentiation between RFA and PFA was analyzed. The results showed that the PFA considerably reduced the contents of flavonoid glycosides while increasing hesperidin-7-O-glucoside and flavonoid aglycones. The electronic nose and GC-MS (Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) effectively detected the variation in flavor between RFA and PFA. Correlation analysis revealed that eight volatile components (relative odor activity value [ROAV] ≥ 0.1) played a key role in inducing odor modifications. The original floral and woody notes were subdued due to decreased levels of linalool, sabinene, α-terpineol, and terpinen-4-ol. After processing, more delightful flavors such as lemon and fruity aromas were acquired. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis indicated a significant increase in beneficial microbial taxa. Particularly, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and Blautia exhibited higher abundance following PFA treatment. Conversely, a lower presence of pathogenic bacteria, including Proteobacteria, Flexispira, and Clostridium. This strategy contributes to a comprehensive analysis technique for the quality assessment of FA, providing scientific justifications for processing FA into high-value products with enhanced health benefits. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study provided an efficient approach to Fructus Aurantii quality evaluation. The methods of fermentation and steaming showed improved quality and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijian Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinru Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangling Long
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangbing Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingxiu Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Enyao Ma
- Guangdong Hanchao Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Chen
- Lingnan Traditional Chinese Medicine Slices Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiqi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quan Xia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Li X, Wang X, Wang Z, Guan J. Baizhu-Baishao herb pair ameliorates functional constipation and intestinal microflora disorder in rats. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:598-608. [PMID: 37859536 PMCID: PMC10757208 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In China, Rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae-Paeonia lactiflora Pall (Biazhu-Baishao, BZBS) is a classic herb pair used to treat intestinal stress syndrome, ulcerative colitis and other diseases. However, the mechanism of BZBS in the treatment of functional constipation (FC) has been little studied and remains unclear. In this study, a behavioral investigation, colon tissue morphology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) and intestinal microflora analysis have been used to illuminate the potential mechanism of the effects of BZBS on FC in a rat model. METHODS A FC rat model was constructed and BZBS was given as treatment. Observations and recordings were made of the fecal moisture content, the defecation time of the first black stool, and the rate of intestinal propulsion. Elisa was used to detect the expression levels of substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the colon. To ascertain the composition of the microbial community, a high throughput 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing technique was employed. RESULTS Oral administration of BZBS significantly ameliorated several key excretion parameters, including the time to first black stool defecation, stool water content, and the propulsion rate in the small intestine in FC rats. It increased the expression of SP, VIP and 5-HT in the colon. 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that BZBS changed the microbial community structure, decreased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, increased the relative abundance of Blautia and Fusicatenibacter, and decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcus and Roseburia. CONCLUSIONS BZBS effectively alleviates FC and improves dysbacteriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Ziyan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jiaqi Guan
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
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Zhang B, Bu L, Tian H, You Z, Zhao M, Tian J, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Tan C, Cao Y, Feng D, Xi Z. Effects of Atractylodes lancea extracts on intestinal flora and serum metabolites in mice with intestinal dysbacteriosis. Proteome Sci 2023; 21:5. [PMID: 37061727 PMCID: PMC10105428 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-023-00204-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the effect of an extract of Atractylodes lancea (A. lancea) on antibiotics-induced intestinal tract disorder and the probable therapeutic mechanisms employed by this extract to ameliorate these disorders. METHODS Three days after acclimatization, nine male and nine female specific-pathogen-free (SPF) mice were randomly assigned into three groups: Group C (normal saline), Group M (antibiotic: cefradine + gentamicin), and Group T (antibiotic + A. lancea extract). Each mouse in Groups M and T received intragastric (i.g.) gavage antibiotics containing cefradine and gentamicin sulfate (0.02 ml/g-1/D-1) for 7 days. A. lancea extract (0.02 ml/g-1/D-1) was administered by i.g. gavage to Group T mice for 7 days following the cessation of antibiotic therapy. Group M received an equivalent volume of normal saline for 7 days, while Group C received an equivalent volume of normal saline for 14 days. Afterwards, we collected mouse feces to assess changes in intestinal microbiota by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing and metabolomics. In addition, serum samples were gathered and analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LS-MS). Finally, we performed a correlation analysis between intestinal microbiota and metabolites. RESULTS After treatment with antibiotic, the richness and diversity of the flora, numbers of wall-breaking bacteria and Bacteroidetes, and the numbers of beneficial bacteria decreased, while the numbers of harmful bacteria increased. After i.g. administration of A. lancea extract, the imbalance of microbial flora began to recover. Antibiotics primarily influence the metabolism of lipids, steroids, peptides, organic acids, and carbohydrates, with lipid compounds ranking first. Arachidonic acid (AA), arginine, and proline have relatively strong effects on the metabolisms of antibiotic-stressed mice. Our findings revealed that A. lancea extract might restore the metabolism of AA and L-methionine. The content of differential metabolites detected in the serum of Group T mice was comparable to that in the serum of Group C mice, but significantly different from that of Group M mice. Compared to putative biomarkers in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, it was found that altered metabolites, such as amino acids, glycerol, and phospholipids, were primarily associated with the metabolism. CONCLUSIONS The effective mechanisms of A. lancea extract in regulating the disorder of intestinal flora in mice are related to the mechanisms of A. lancea. It could relate to lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. These results will provide a basis for further explaining the mechanism by which A. lancea regulats intestinal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- BaiNian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Lan Bu
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Hui Tian
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China.
| | - ZhangQiang You
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - MingHai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - YuanYuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - ChengJia Tan
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Northwest Sichuan, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | | | - DaRen Feng
- Mianyang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - ZhenPeng Xi
- Beichuan Shennong Agriculture Technology Development Co.,Ltd, Mianyang, 621000, China
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Xu XL, Zhao Y, Chen MM, Li Y, Li Y, Wu SJ, Zhang JL, Zhang XS, Yu K, Lian ZX. Shifts in intestinal microbiota and improvement of sheep immune response to resist Salmonella infection using Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) overexpression. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1075164. [PMID: 36876076 PMCID: PMC9974671 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1075164] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) identifies Gram-negative bacteria or their products and plays a crucial role in host defense against invading pathogens. In the intestine, TLR4 recognizes bacterial ligands and interacts with the immune system. Although TLR4 signaling is a vital component of the innate immune system, the influence of TLR4 overexpression on innate immune response and its impact on the composition of the intestinal microbiota is unknown. Methods Here, we obtained macrophages from sheep peripheral blood to examine phagocytosis and clearance of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) in macrophages. Meanwhile, we characterized the complex microbiota inhabiting the stools of TLR4 transgenic (TG) sheep and wild-type (WT) sheep using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) deep sequencing. Results The results showed that TLR4 overexpression promoted the secretion of more early cytokines by activating downstream signaling pathways after stimulation by S. Typhimurium. Furthermore, diversity analysis demonstrated TLR4 overexpression increased microbial community diversity and regulated the composition of intestinal microbiota. More importantly, TLR4 overexpression adjusted the gut microbiota composition and maintained intestinal health by reducing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and inflammation and oxidative stress-producing bacteria (Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae) and upregulating the abundance of Bacteroidetes population and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, including Prevotellaceae. These dominant bacterial genera changed by TLR4 overexpression revealed a close correlation with the metabolic pathways of TG sheep. Discussion Taken together, our findings suggested that TLR4 overexpression can counteract S. Typhimurium invasion as well as resist intestinal inflammation in sheep by regulating intestinal microbiota composition and enhancing anti-inflammatory metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ling Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Ming Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Jun Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Long Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Sheng Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Kun Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng-Xing Lian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Liu B, Chen B, Yi J, Long H, Wen H, Tian F, Liu Y, Xiao L, Li L. Liuwei Dihuang Decoction Alleviates Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice With D-Galactose-Induced Aging by Regulating Lipid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress via the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:949298. [PMID: 35844229 PMCID: PMC9283918 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.949298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aging is an important cause of cognitive dysfunction. Liuwei Dihuang decoction (LW), a commonly applied Chinese medicine formula, is widely used for the treatment of aging-related diseases in China. Previously, LW was confirmed to be effective in prolonging life span and reducing oxidative stress in aged mice. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanism of LW remains unclear. The aim of this study was to interpret the mechanism by which LW alleviates cognitive dysfunction related to aging from the perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Method All C57BL/6 mice (n = 60) were randomly divided into five groups: the control, model, vitamin E (positive control group), low-dose LW and high-dose LW groups (n = 12 in each group). Except for those in the control group, D-galactose was subcutaneously injected into mice in the other groups to induce the aging model. The antiaging effect of LW was evaluated by the water maze test, electron microscopy, 16S rRNA sequencing, combined LC–MS and GC–MS metabolomics, and ELISA. Results Liuwei Dihuang decoction ameliorated cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal synaptic ultrastructure damage in aging mice. Moreover, LW decreased Proteobacteria abundance and increased gut microbiota diversity in aging mice. Metabolomic analysis showed that LW treatment was associated with the significantly differential abundance of 14 metabolites, which were mainly enriched in apelin signaling, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid and other metabolic pathways. Additionally, LW affected lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in aging mice. Finally, we also found that LW-regulated microbial species such as Proteobacteria and Fibrobacterota had potential relationships with lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and hippocampal metabolites. Conclusion In brief, LW improved cognitive function in aging mice by regulating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress through restoration of the homeostasis of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Baiyan Liu,
| | - Bowei Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Yi
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Hongping Long
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Huiqiao Wen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Fengming Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Yingfei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Lisong Li
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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