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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; 22:413-444. [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] [MESH Headings] [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; 22(4): 413-445.
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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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Gunther RS, Farrell MB, Banks KP. Got the Munchies for an Egg Sandwich? The Effects of Cannabis on Bowel Motility and Beyond. J Nucl Med Technol 2024; 52:8-14. [PMID: 38443102 PMCID: PMC10924153 DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.123.266816] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of medicinal cannabis has a long history dating back thousands of years. Recent discoveries have shed light on its mechanism of action with the identification of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids, which make up the body's endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptors, particularly the cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors, play a crucial role in modulating the gut-brain axis and serve as potential therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal motility and inflammatory disorders. With increasing legalization of cannabis and a rising number of users, understanding the effects of cannabis on gut motility is essential for nuclear medicine providers. Although tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, may decrease gut motility in experimental settings, it appears to paradoxically improve symptoms in gastroparesis. Treatment effects are difficult to measure given the large number of variables that could significantly alter outcomes, such as cannabinoid type, potency, and route of intake. Another consideration is the highly personalized gut microbiome, which directly interacts with the endocannabinoid system. Further research is required to delineate these multifaceted, complex cannabinoid interactions. The goal of this article is to explore the knowns and unknowns of the impact of cannabis on the alimentary system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutger S Gunther
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland;
- Department of Radiology, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas; and
| | - Mary B Farrell
- Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, Ellicott City, Maryland
| | - Kevin P Banks
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Department of Radiology, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas; and
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Kim H, Jeong EJ, Park C, Lee JS, Kim WJ, Yu KW, Suh HJ, Ahn Y, Moon SK. Modulation of gut microbiota ecosystem by a glucan-rich snail mucin heteropolysaccharide attenuates loperamide-induced constipation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126560. [PMID: 37640190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126560] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of snail-derived mucin extract (SM) on ameliorating constipation symptoms of loperamide-induced constipated rats (n = 6). The analytical results indicated that SM mainly contains a glucan-rich snail mucin heteropolysaccharide with high molecular weights (108.5-267.9 kDa), comprising primarily of glucose (64.9 %) and galactose (22.4 %) with some deoxyhexoses (5.0 %) and hexosamines (4.9 %). Daily SM administration at doses of 10-40 mg/kg/day to the loperamide-induced constipated rats significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated the deterioration in fecal parameters, such as numbers and weight of feces, fecal water contents, and gastrointestinal transit ratio. The histomorphometric results showed that the loperamide-induced decreases in the thickness of mucosal and muscularis mucosae layers as well as the distribution of mucin and c-KIT-positive areas were significantly (p < 0.05) improved via SM consumption at all doses tested. SM administration at all doses significantly increased the expression of genes encoding tryptophan hydroxylases (TPH1 and TPH2; p < 0.05), tight junction molecules (OCLN, CLDN1, and TJP1; p < 0.05), and mucin (MUC2 and MUC4; p < 0.05), but significantly decreased the aquaporin-encoding genes (AQP3 and AQP8; p < 0.05). Gut microbial community analysis indicated that SM administration could modulate loperamide-induced dysbiosis by increasing the phyla Actinobacteria (11.72-12.64 % at 10-40 mg/kg doses; p < 0.05) and Firmicutes (79.33 % and 74.24 % at 20 and 40 mg/kg doses; p < 0.05) and decreasing the phyla Bacteroidetes (5.98-12.47 % at 10-40 mg/kg doses; p < 0.05) and Verrucomicrobia (2.21 % and 2.78 % at 20 and 40 mg/kg doses; p < 0.05), suggesting that SM administration is effective in ameliorating constipation by controlling gut microbial communities. These findings can be utilized as fundamental data for developing novel functional materials using SM to prevent or treat constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoon Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong 17546, South Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea; BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Chunwoong Park
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea; BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Seok Lee
- Age at Labs Inc., 55, Digital-ro 32-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul 08379, South Korea
| | - Woo Jung Kim
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business and Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Won Yu
- Major in Food & Nutrition, Korea National University of Transportation, 61 Daehak-ro, Jeungpyeong 27909, South Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Suh
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Yejin Ahn
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea.
| | - Sung-Kwon Moon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong 17546, South Korea.
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Gao X, Yang W, Li S, Liu S, Yang W, Song S, Sheng J, Zhao Y, Tian Y. Moringa oleifera leaf alleviates functional constipation via regulating the gut microbiota and the enteric nervous system in mice. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1315402. [PMID: 38192287 PMCID: PMC10773919 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1315402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf is not only a new food resource in China, but also a traditional medicinal plant. It is commonly used in the folk to alleviate constipation, but its laxative mechanism is not fully understood. Hence we investigated it in loperamide-induced functional constipation (FC) mice. The results showed that MOAE significantly regulated not only gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters in serum but also important gastrointestinal motility factors in the enteric nervous system (ENS)-interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs)-smooth muscle cell (SMC) network. Meanwhile, MOAE attenuated intestinal inflammation, increased cecal short-chain fatty acid levels and colonic antimicrobial peptide expression, and improved the impaired intestinal barrier function in loperamide-induced FC mice. In addition, MOAE also increased fecal water content by inhibiting the mRNA expression of colonic aquaporins (Aqp3 and Aqp4) in FC mice. Interestingly and importantly, MOAE affected the intestinal microbiota by inhibiting some key "constipation-causing" microbiota, such as Bacteroidaceae, Clostridiaceae, Bacteroides, and Ruminococcus, and promoting the growth of other important "constipation-curing" microbiota, such as Butyricoccus, Tyzzerella, and Desulfovibrio. These important taxa are significantly associated with a variety of indicators of constipation. These findings suggest that MOAE can promote defecation through its rich chemical composition to modulate the ENS-ICCs-SMCs network and the gut microecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Gao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Personalized Food Manufacturing, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Engineering Research Center of Development and Utilization of Food and Drug Homologous Resources, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Weiqian Yang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Department of Hotel Management, Chongqing Vocational Institute of Tourism, Chongqing, China
| | - Sijin Li
- College of Pu’er Tea West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Puer, China
| | - Shuangfeng Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Engineering Research Center of Development and Utilization of Food and Drug Homologous Resources, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Weixing Yang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Shuang Song
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Sheng
- Engineering Research Center of Development and Utilization of Food and Drug Homologous Resources, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Division of Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yang Tian
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Personalized Food Manufacturing, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Engineering Research Center of Development and Utilization of Food and Drug Homologous Resources, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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Samuel S, Michael M, Tadros M. Should gastroenterologists prescribe cannabis? The highs, the lows and the unknowns. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:4210-4230. [PMID: 37449231 PMCID: PMC10336994 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i18.4210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is a drug extracted from the Cannabis plant known for its psychotropic and medicinal properties. It has been used for healing purposes during ancient times, although its psychoactive components led to its restricted use in medicine. Nonetheless, cannabis is found to have modulatory effects on the endocannabinoid system exhibiting its medicinal role in the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Emerging animal and human studies demonstrate the influential effects of cannabis on a variety of GI diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, motility disorders and GI malignancies. It also has a regulatory role in GI symptoms including nausea and vomiting, anorexia, weight gain, abdominal pain, among others. However, both its acute and chronic use can lead to undesirable side effects such as dependency and addiction, cognitive impairment and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. We will discuss the role of cannabis in the GI system as well as dosing strategies to help guide gastroenterologists to assess its efficacy and provide patient counseling before prescription of medical marijuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Samuel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Mark Michael
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Micheal Tadros
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, United States
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