Network pharmacological prediction and molecular docking analysis of the combination of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. in the treatment of functional constipation and its verification

Rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala alleviates spleen-deficiency constipation in rats by modulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala, called Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizome (AMR), is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicines for alleviating constipation induced by spleen-deficiency. However, the specific mechanism responsible for promoting defecation and gastrointestinal transit by AMR remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To reveal the spleen-invigorating and laxative effects of AMR in spleen-deficiency constipated rats, as well as to explore the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rat model of spleen-deficiency constipation was established through the induced diarrhea, along with irregular exercise and a low-fiber diet pattern. The effects of AMR were then evaluated based on spleen-deficiency and constipation phenotypes. Additionally, an integrated approach combining 16S rRNA gene sequencing with untargeted/targeted metabolomics using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was employed to elucidate the potential mechanism of AMR in treating spleen-deficiency constipation.

RESULTS

The results indicated that AMR, at the dose of 4.32 g crude drug/kg, significantly improved the general characteristics, digestion-absorption function, colonic pathological morphology and levels of neurotransmitters in spleen-deficiency constipated rats. AMR also effectively ameliorated the disturbance in gut microbiota induced by spleen-deficiency constipation, particularly that microbiota associated with constipated phenotypes and bile acid metabolism, including Firmicutes, Bacteroides, norank_f__Erysipelotrichaceae and norank_f__Muribaculaceae. Additionally, plasma and fecal metabolomics revealed that the development of spleen-deficiency constipation was primarily due to perturbed bile acid biosynthesis and metabolism, with AMR prominently ameliorating the abnormal levels of 17 bile acids. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that AMR regulated the abnormal expression of Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), a receptor involved in bile acid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide important insights into the mechanism underlying spleen-deficiency constipation, suggesting that AMR may be a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of constipation induced by spleen-deficiency.

Pharmacokinetic analysis on compatibility of Atractylodes macrocephala and Paeoniae radix herb pair ameliorates functional constipation model rats using microdialysis with ultra-performance liquid chromatography

BACKGROUND

In a previous study, we found that Atractylodes macrocephala and Paeoniae radix (AM-PR) was useful for the alleviation of functional constipation (FC). However, the precise mechanism underlying the compatibility between AM and PR in the treatment of FC remains uncertain. This study aims to analyze the pharmacokinetic differences in the active ingredients in the blood of rat models with FC when applied individually and in combination with AM-PR. It also seeks to compare the changes in the content of the active ingredient when applied individually and in combination with in vitro AM-PR, further in-depth investigation into its material foundation in terms of pharmacokinetics, as well as the composition of the substance.

METHODS

Blood microdialysis samples were collected using microdialysis technology. These samples from rats with FC were compared after administration of AM, PR, and AM-PR. The concentration of the main active ingredients was determined using the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tunable Ultraviolet (UPLC-TUV) method. The concentration of the main active ingredients of the decoction compatibility before and after combining AM-PR was also determined using the UPLC-TUV method.

RESULTS

Our findings reveal that upon combination, the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of isochlorogenic acid A (ICA-A) and ataridolide II (ATR-II) Tmax was prolonged, terminal elimination half-life (T1/2) was reduced, and maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) increased. The Tmax of ataridolide III (ATR-III) remained consistent, whereas its T1/2 and Cmax were significantly reduced. Conversely, for peoniflorin (PAE), Tmax occurred sooner, T1/2 was shortened, and Cmax increased. The Tmax for albiflorin (ALB) remained consistent, whereas T1/2 and Cmax witnessed significant increases. The area under the moment curve (AUMC) (0-t) and AUMC (0-∞) of PAE, ALB, ICA-A, ATR-II experienced an increase after AM-PR administration in rats, attributable to the heightened Cmax. In comparison to individual herb administration, the Tmax of ALB was advanced in combination, the Tmax of PAE remained unchanged, and the Tmax of ICA-A and ART-II was delayed, with an increased area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) (0-t), indicating enhanced Cmax and bioavailability. Furthermore, the dissolution rates of PAE, ICA-A, and ATR-II significantly improved after compatibility.

CONCLUSIONS

This study partially clarifies the rationale and compatibility of AM-PR in treating FC and offers a new perspective on the pharmacokinetic interactions of AM-PR in FC treatment.

Evaluation indicators of Traditional Chinese Medicine syndromes for gouty arthritis with damp heat accumulation and the effect of administering Tongfeng Qingxiao formula

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the indicators of an animal model of gouty arthritis (GA) with dampness heat accumulation and the intervention effect of Tongfeng Qingxiao formula (, TFQXF).

METHODS

Seventy-two healthy adult Sprague?Dawley male rats were selected and randomly divided into a normal group, model group, low-dose group, medium-dose group, high-dose group, and diclofenac group using a random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. After group intervention, the general condition of the rats in each group was monitored and recorded, and the swelling index was measured. After separating the serum, the changes in glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST), carbamide (UREA), creatinine (CREA), triglyceride (TG), total serum cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the serum of the rats in each group were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), endothelin (ET), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), interleukin (IL)-1β, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in the serum of the rats in each group were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Kidney tissues were used to evaluate the protein and mRNA expression of aquaporin (AQP) 1 and AQP2. Colon tissue was used to evaluate the protein and mRNA expression of AQP3 and AQP4 by Western blotting (WB) assay and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT?qPCR). The levels of ALT, AST, UREA, and CREA were used to evaluate the liver and kidney function of rats. The levels of MTL and GAS were used to evaluate the gastrointestinal function of rats. The levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, and AQP4 were used to evaluate the "dampness" syndrome performance in rats. The levels of ET, CGRP, and HSP70 were used to evaluate the "heat" syndrome performance in rats. The levels of IL-1β and NF-κB were used to evaluate the degree of inflammation in rats. The pathological changes in synovial and colonic tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTS

Except for the normal group, after modeling treatment, the ankle joint of rats in both the model group and drug treatment groups gradually swelled, reaching a peak at 12 h, and then gradually began to subside. The results of biochemical analyzer detection indicated that the serum ALT, AST, UREA, CREA, TG, TC and LDL-C levels were significantly higher, but the HDL-C level was significantly lower in the rats of the model group than in the rats of the normal group (P < 0.05). The serum ALT, AST, UREA, CREA, MTL, TC and LDL-C levels were significantly lower, but the HDL-C level was significantly higher in the rats of all drug treatment groups than in the rats of the model group (P < 0.05). The results of ELISA detection indicated that the MTL, GAS, ET, HSP70, IL-1β, and NF-κB levels were significantly higher, but the CGRP level was significantly lower in the rats of the model group than in the rats of the normal group (P < 0.05). The levels of MTL, GAS, ET, HSP70, IL-1β, and NF-κB were significantly lower, but CGRP was significantly higher in the rats of the drug treatment groups than in the rats of the model group (P < 0.05). The results of WB and RT-qPCR indicated that compared to the normal group, the levels of AQP1 and AQP2 in the model group were significantly higher in the kidney tissue, whereas the levels of AQP3 and AQP4 were significantly lower in the colon tissue (P < 0.05). Compared to those in the model group, the levels of AQP1 and AQP2 in the drug treatment groups were significantly lower in the kidney tissue, whereas the levels of AQP3 and AQP4 were significantly higher in the colon tissue (P < 0.05). In the model group, erosion of the colonic mucosal surface and inflammatory exudate occurred. Some mucosal epithelium had fallen off, the number of glands in the lamina propria was lower, many inflammatory cells infiltrated the interstitial layer, the connective tissue in the submucosa became loose and edematous, and lymph follicles developed. We found a significant proliferation of synovial cells in the ankle joint, an increase in cell density and neovascularization, and visible infiltration of inflammatory cells. The cartilage surface was not smooth. However, each drug group could improve the pathological changes in intestinal and synovial tissues to varying degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood lipid metabolism indexes and AQPs could be used as objective evaluation indexes for the "dampness" syndrome performance of damp-heat accumulation type GA. ET, HSP70 and CGRP could be used as objective evaluation indexes for the "heat" syndrome performance, and the immune inflammation index could be used as objective evaluation indexes for the inflammation degree. The overall efficacy of TFQXF in the treatment of damp-heat accumulation-type GA could be determined by adjusting the above objective evaluation indexes. It provided some ideas and directions for clinical risk assessments and drug development of GA.

Exploring Immune Cell Infiltration and Small Molecule Compounds for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a relapsing nature and complex etiology. Bioinformatics analysis has been widely applied to investigate various diseases. This study aimed to identify crucial differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and explore potential therapeutic agents for UC.

METHODS

The GSE47908 and GSE55306 colon tissue transcriptome gene datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus-NCBI (GEO) database. GEO2R and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to screen for DEGs in patients with UC compared to the normal population based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). GO-BP analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed on the intersecting differential genes via the Metascape website, while hub genes were analyzed by STRING11.0 and Cytoscape3.7.1. The expression of hub genes was verified in the dataset GSE38713 colon tissue specimens. Finally, the gene expression profiles of the validation set were analyzed by immuno-infiltration through the ImmuCellAI online tool, and the CMap database was used to screen for negatively correlated small molecule compounds.

RESULTS

A total of 595 and 926 genes were screened by analysis of GSE47908 and GSE55306 datasets, respectively. Combined WGCNA hub module intersection yielded 12 hub genes (CXCL8, IL1β, CXCL1, CCL20, CXCL2, CXCR2, LCN2, SELL, AGT, LILRB3, MMP3, IDO1) associated with the pathogenesis of UC. GSEA analysis yielded intersecting pathways for both datasets (colorectal cancer pathway, base excision repair, cell cycle, apoptosis). GO-BP and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to obtain key biological processes (inflammatory response, response to bacteria, leukocyte activation involved in the immune response, leukocyte-cell adhesion, apoptosis, positive regulation of immune effector processes) and key signaling pathways (cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, IBD, NOD-like receptor signaling pathways). The immune cell infiltration analysis suggested that the incidence of UC was mainly related to the increase in CD4+T cells, depletion of T cells, T follicular helper cells, natural killer cells, γδ T cells and the decrease in CD8 naive T cells, helper T cells 17 and effector T cells. The CMap database results showed that small molecule compounds such as vorinostat, roxarsone, and wortmannin may be therapeutic candidates for UC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study not only aids in early prediction and prevention but also provides novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of UC.

PAMK Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Associated Anxiety/Depression-like Behaviors Through Restoring Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Mice

OBJECTIVES

Long-term Western diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can lead to liver cirrhosis and NASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, which are end-stage liver diseases. Meanwhile, NASH is associated with mental burden and worsens as the disease progresses. Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is one of the main ingredients of Shenling Baizhu San, and the effect of Polysaccharide from AMK ameliorates (PAMK), as an important medicinal ingredient of AMK, on NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors is still unclear.

METHODS

This study investigated the protective effect of PAMK on NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors through a Western diet-induced NASH mice model.

RESULTS

showed that PAMK decreased the concentrations of liver TC, TG, and serum AST and ALT, improving glucose tolerance, and reducing liver steatosis and fibrosis. Moreover, the expression of liver IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18 and MCP-1 could be reduced by PAMK significantly. Additionally, PAMK decreased anxiety/depression-like behaviors and expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in the hippocampus. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that PAMK diminished the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and abundance of Faecalibaculum_rodentium, and increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae. This might be related to gene abundance of Pentose, the glucuronate interconversions pathway and carbohydrate enzymes (GH1, GH4). Serum metabolomics suggested that PC (18:5e/2:0), PC (16:2e/2:0), Lysopc 20:4, PC (16:0/2:0), and LPC 19:0 upregulated significantly after PAMK intervention, together with the enrichment of carbon metabolism and Citrate cycle pathways specially.

CONCLUSIONS

PAMK as a potential prebiotic ameliorated NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors in mice, probably by regulating Faecalibaculum_rodentium, carbohydrate enzymes and lipid metabolites.

Activation of ASIC3/ERK pathway by paeoniflorin improves intestinal fluid metabolism and visceral sensitivity in slow transit constipated rats

Slow transit constipation (STC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in children and adults worldwide. Paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glycoside compound extracted from the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora, has been found to alleviate STC, but the mechanisms of its effect remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of PF on intestinal fluid metabolism and visceral sensitization in rats with compound diphenoxylate-induced STC. Based on the evaluation of the laxative effect, the abdominal withdrawal reflex test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the visceral sensitivity, fluid metabolism-related proteins, and acid-sensitive ion channel 3/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ASIC3/ERK) pathway-related molecules. PF treatment not only attenuated compound diphenoxylate-induced constipation symptoms and colonic pathological damage in rats but also ameliorated colonic fluid metabolic disorders and visceral sensitization abnormalities, as manifested by increased colonic goblet cell counts and mucin2 protein expression, decreased aquaporin3 protein expression, improved abdominal withdrawal reflex scores, reduced visceral pain threshold, upregulated serum 5-hydroxytryptamine, and downregulated vasoactive intestinal peptide levels. Furthermore, PF activated the colonic ASIC3/ERK pathway in STC rats, and ASIC3 inhibition partially counteracted PF's modulatory effects on intestinal fluid and visceral sensation. In conclusion, PF alleviated impaired intestinal fluid metabolism and abnormal visceral sensitization in STC rats and thus relieved their symptoms through activation of the ASIC3/ERK pathway.

Integration of network pharmacology and experimental verifications reveals the Bian-Se-Tong mixture can alleviate constipation in STC rats by reducing apoptosis of Cajal cells via activating PI3K-Akt signaling pathway

Bian-Se-Tong mixture (BSTM) is an optimized formulation based on the classical prescription "Zhizhu pill", which is widely used in the clinical treatment of slow-transit constipation (STC). The potential molecular mechanism of BSTM therapy for STC was investigated by network pharmacology prediction combined with animal experiments. The active components of BSTM were screened via the TCMSP platform. The GeneCards, OMIM and DrugBank databases were used to search for STC targets. With the help of the Biogenet tool, a protein interaction network between drugs and disease targets was constructed, and the intersection network of the two was extracted to obtain the key targets of BSTM in the treatment of STC. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of key targets were carried out with Metascape. Loperamide hydrochloride was used to establish an STC rat model, and the key targets and related pathways were preliminarily verified. The important signaling pathways included the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, IL-17, cAMP, and cell cycle signaling pathways. The experimental results showed that BSTM treatment increased the body weight of STC rats and increased the fecal particle number, fecal water content and intestinal carbon ink promotion rate within 24 h. Further pathological changes in the colon of the rats were also observed. In-depth mechanistic studies have shown that BSTM can significantly reduce the apoptosis of intestinal Cajal cells, downregulate the expression of Bax and c-Caspase 3, upregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and c-kit, and promote the phosphorylation of AKT. The results showed that BSTM can significantly relieve constipation in STC rats via a mechanism related to activating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and improving Cajal cell apoptosis.

Mechanism of Mulberry Leaves and Black Sesame in Alleviating Slow Transit Constipation Revealed by Multi-Omics Analysis

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses the potential of providing good curative effects with no side effects for the effective management of slow transit constipation (STC), an intestinal disease characterized by colonic dyskinesia. Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) and black sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), referred to as SH, are processed and conditioned as per standardized protocols. SH has applications as food and medicine. Accordingly, we investigated the therapeutic potential of SH in alleviating STC. The analysis of SH composition identified a total of 504 compounds. The intervention with SH significantly improved intestinal motility, reduced the time for the first black stool, increased antioxidant activity, and enhanced water content, thereby effectively alleviating colon damage caused by STC. Transcriptome analysis revealed the SH in the treatment of STC related to SOD1, MUC2, and AQP1. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated notable differences in the abundance of 10 bacteria between the SH and model. Metabolomic analysis further revealed that SH supplementation increased the levels of nine metabolites associated with STC. Integrative analysis revealed that SH modulated amino acid metabolism, balanced intestinal flora, and targeted key genes (i.e., SOD1, MUC2, AQP1) to exert its effects. SH also inhibited the AQP1 expression and promoted SOD1 and MUC2 expression.

Network pharmacology combined with an animal model to reveal the material basis and mechanism of Amomum villosum in alleviating constipation in mice

Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, with its prevalence showing an annual upward trend. There are many factors involved in the occurrence of constipation, such as abnormal smooth muscle contraction and disorders of gastrointestinal hormone secretion. Amomum villosum (A. villosum) has been proven to be effective in improving digestive system diseases, but there is no report on improving constipation. Therefore, we used network pharmacology prediction combined with animal experiments to explore the key active components of A. villosum and their pharmacological mechanisms. The results of network pharmacological prediction showed that β-sitosterol was the key laxative compound of A. villosum, which may play a laxative role by activating the adrenoceptor alpha 1 A-myosin light chain (ADRA1A-MLC) pathway. Further animal experiments showed that β-sitosterol could significantly shorten the time to first black stool; increase faecal weight, faecal number, and faecal water content; and promote gastrointestinal motility. β-sitosterol may promote intestinal motility by upregulating the expression of ADRA1A and myosin light chain 9 (Myl9) mRNA and protein in the colon, thereby activating the ADRA1A-MLC signalling pathway. In addition, it is possible to improve constipation symptoms by regulating serum neurotransmitters and gastrointestinal motility-related factors, such as the serum content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and the mRNA expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 (5-HT4), stem cell factor (SCF), stem cell factor receptor (c-Kit) and smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (smMLCK) in the colon. These results lay a foundation for the application of A. villosum and β-sitosterol in constipation.

Total alditols from Cistanche deserticola attenuate functional constipation by regulating bile acid metabolism

HEADINGS ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Functional constipation (FC), characterized by chronic constipation, significantly impacts physiological function and induces psychological stress in patients. However, current clinical treatment options for FC are currently limited. Cistanche deserticola, a traditional Chinese medicine that promotes intestinal moisture and bowel relaxation, contains cistanche total alditol extract (CTAE) as its primary active extract. However, the production of CTAE, its overall efficacy, and potential mechanisms for treating FC have yet to been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to reveal the overall efficacy and potential mechanism of action of CTAE in rats with FC using a combination of stable preparation, pharmacodynamics, non-targeted metabolomics, bile acid metabolomics, and western blotting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen batches of CTAE underwent quality testing. A rat model of FC was developed using diphenoxylate tablets. The comprehensive pharmacodynamic effects of CTAE on FC were evaluated using fecal characteristics (wet weight, dry weight, and water content), intestinal transmission (colonic EMG amplitude, colonic EMG frequency, propulsion length, and propulsion rate), serum and colon biochemical indicators, distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and pathological examination. Non-targeted metabolomics was performed to assess the changes in endogenous metabolite profiles induced by CTAE. Bile acid metabolomics and western blotting analyses were employed to validate the potential mechanisms of action of CTAE.

RESULTS

CTAE, with a total content of betaine, mannitol, D-fructose, glucose, and sucrose of (75.67 ± 3.73) %, significantly enhanced intestinal transit, regulated neurotransmitters, increased the expression of c-kit in ICC, and alleviated intestinal inflammation in rats with FC. Non-targeted metabolomics revealed that CTAE significantly alleviated FC-induced metabolic disorders, mainly the biosynthesis of primary bile acids. Targeted metabolomic analysis confirmed that CTAE regulated FC-induced bile acid disorders. Western-blotting results confirmed that CTAE increased the expression of CYP8B1, FGF15, TGR5, and FXR, thereby modulating bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation.

CONCLUSION

CTAE demonstrates significant therapeutic effects on FC, primarily through the regulation of bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. These findings provide a promising foundation for the development and clinical application of novel CATE-based drugs.

Baizhu-Baishao herb pair ameliorates functional constipation and intestinal microflora disorder in rats

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.

Aged black tea alleviates constipation in mice by modulating intestinal neurotransmitters and decreasing AQP3 and AQP9 expression

Background

Black tea is fully fermented tea with abundant functional components that benefit the gastrointestinal tract. But whether black tea extract relieves constipation is unknown. Therefore, we used loperamide to induce constipation in mice to assess the therapeutical effect of extracts from aged black tea with different storage times.

Design

Sixty-three C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into Control group (Con), Model group (Mod), Positive group (Pos), aged 6 years group (15Y), aged 4 years group (17Y), aged 2 years group (19Y), and unaged group (21Y). Mice were given loperamide (20 mg/kg, twice a day) to induce constipation for 10 days, and black tea extracts (500 mg/kg) were intragastrically given for 7 days while continuing modeling.

Results

The results showed that black tea extracts relieved constipation symptoms by improving defecation weight, fecal water content, and gastrointestinal transit rate. Black tea extracts can also protect colon tissue, regulate serum neurotransmitters, increase the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters motilin (MTL) and substance P (SP), and decrease the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed that black tea extracts were able to reduce AQP3 and AQP9 expression in the colon of constipated mice. In addition, Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that black tea extracts could decrease AQP3 and AQP9 mRNA expression. The relief effect of aged black tea (15Y) with the longest storage was better than that of other years, which may be due to the role of active ingredients such as thearubigins (TRs), soluble sugar, tea polysaccharide (TPS), gallic acid (GA), and catechin gallate (CG) in aged black tea.

Conclusions

Based on these results, we believe that regular consumption of black tea is effective in relieving constipation, and that black tea is more effective in relieving constipation as the storage time increases.

Arctiin alleviates functional constipation by enhancing intestinal motility in mice

Functional constipation (FC), a common symptom that is primarily associated with intestinal motility dysfunction, is a common problem worldwide. Arctiin (Arc) is a lignan glycoside isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine Arctium lappa L., which is a health food in China. The present study aimed to evaluate the laxative effects of Arc against FC in mice. A model of FC induced by loperamide (5 mg/kg) was established in male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Arc was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg as a protective agent. The faecal status, intestinal motility and histological analyses were evaluated. Furthermore, the levels of gastrointestinal motility-associated neurotransmitters, such as motilin (MTL), nitric oxide (NO), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the protective effect of Arc on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were assessed. Arc treatment reversed the loperamide-induced reduction in faecal number and water content and the intestinal transit ratio in ICR mice. Histological analysis confirmed that Arc administration mitigated colonic injury. Moreover, Arc treatment increased levels of motilin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor while decreasing nitric oxide levels and ICC injury in the colon of FC mice. Arc decreased inflammation induction and aquaporin expression levels. Owing to its pro-intestinal motility property, Arc was shown to have a protective effect against FC and may thus serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of FC.

A. macrocephala polysaccharide induces alterations to gut microbiome and serum metabolome in constipated mice

Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide (AC1) is extracted from the root of the Chinese herb Atractylodes Macrocephala and is used in the treatment of constipation due to its effects on strengthening cellular immunity and regulating intestinal function. In this study, Metagenomics and Metabolomic are used to analyze the effects of AC1 on the gut microbiota and host metabolites in mice models of constipation. The results show that the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_A4, Bact-oides_vulgatus and Prevotella_sp_CAG:891 increased significantly, indicating that AC1-targeted strain modulation effectively alleviated the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Besides, the microbial alterations also influenced the metabolic pathways of the mice, including tryptophan metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and bile acid metabolism. The physiological parameters of the mice treated with AC1 are improved, such as tryptophan in the colon, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In conclusion, AC1 as a probiotic can regulate intestinal flora to normal levels and achieve the effect of treating constipation.

Flavonoids as Potential Antiviral Agents for Porcine Viruses

Flavonoids are types of natural substances with phenolic structures isolated from a variety of plants. Flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities. Although most of the research or applications of flavonoids are focused on human diseases, flavonoids also show potential applicability against porcine virus infection. This review focuses on the recent progress in antiviral mechanisms of potential flavonoids against the most common porcine viruses. The mechanism discussed in this paper may provide a theoretical basis for drug screening and application of natural flavonoid compounds and flavonoid-containing herbs to control porcine virus infection and guide the research and development of pig feed additives.