Absorption ofCodonopsis pilosulaSaponins by Coexisting Polysaccharides Alleviates Gut Microbial Dysbiosis with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Model Mice

Abstract

Objectives Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease, and the gut microbiota has become a new therapeutic target. Herbal medicine (HM) has shown good efficacy in the clinical treatment of IBD; however, the synergistic actions of the dominant chemicals in HM decoctions are unclear. Methods In this study, we explored whether the complicated interconnections between HM and the gut microbiota could allow crosstalk between HM ingredients. Saponins and polysaccharides, i.e., the dominant chemicals in the Codonopsis pilosula Nannf (CPN) decoction, were investigated in a dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced mouse model. Bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing analyzed the change of gut microbiota structure and diversity. Gas chromatography (GC) determined the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces. ELISA detected the expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with TH17/Treg balance. UPLC-QTOF-MS technology combined with PKsolver software analyzed the absorption of the highest exposure for monomeric compounds of CPN saponins in serum. The results indicated that CPN polysaccharides showed prebiotic-like effects in mice with DSS-induced colitis by simultaneously stimulating the growth of three important probiotics, i.e., Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Akkermansia spp., and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including Desulfovibrio spp., Alistipes spp., and Helicobacter spp. Moreover, CPN polysaccharides improved intestinal metabolism, enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids, upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and downregulated the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines correlated with Th17/Treg balance, promoted the absorption of certain CPN saponins in the serum, and stimulated recovery of the holistic gut microbiota. Conclusion CPN polysaccharides have the good prebiotic properties and shown good application prospects in the prevention and treatment of acute colitis. These findings provide insights into the specific bacteria responsible for active, inactive biotransformation of HM ingredients and those that are altered by HM administration.

Integration of lncRNA and mRNA profiles to reveal the protective effects of Codonopsis pilosula extract on the gastrointestinal tract of mice subjected to D‑galactose‑induced aging

“…The regulation of the intestinal microbiome has become an effective therapeutic tool against age-related chronic diseases (53). certain studies have indicated that Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide, one of the main components of Codonopsis pilosula, can be used as a prebiotic to regulate intestinal microbiota (54,55). The findings of the present study support this point; the specific underlying mechanism warrant further investigation in future studies.…”

The Chinese Herbal Formula Shenzhu Tiaopi Granule Results in Metabolic Improvement in Type 2 Diabetic Rats by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

“…The CHF was authenticated and standardized based on marker compounds according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2005 [37]. Jing Yp indicated that Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides have good prebiotic properties by inhibiting the growth of Desulfovibrio , Alistipes , and Helicobacter and stimulating the growth of Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus , and Akkermansia [38]. Wang JH showed that R. Atractylodis significantly enhances the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia and the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio [39].…”

Indigo Naturalis Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Modulating the Intestinal Microbiota Community

“…It was reported that Codonopsis pilosula Nannf polysaccharides could increase three probiotics, namely Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Akkermansia spp., and decrease pathogenic bacteria, including Desulfovibrio spp., Alistipes spp., and Helicobacter spp. in mice with colitis [26]. Huangqin decoction increased the amount of Lactobacillus and decreased the abundance of Desulfovibrio and Helicobacter in the treatment of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammation [27].…”