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Effects of Andrographolide on Mouse Intestinal Microflora Based on High-Throughput Sequence Analysis.
Haigang Wu1, Xian Wu1, Li Huang1
1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, China.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|September 6, 2021
Summary
Andrographolide, from a Chinese herb, did not alter gut microbiota structure, unlike amoxicillin which reduced microbial diversity. Andrographolide promoted beneficial bacteria, offering a potential antibiotic alternative.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Gut Microbiome Research
Background:
- The gut microbiota, a complex micro-ecosystem, is crucial for host health.
- Andrographolide, a compound from *Andrographis paniculata*, has known anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
- Its direct impact on the gut microbiota remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of oral andrographolide administration on the intestinal microbiota in mice.
- To compare the effects of andrographolide with amoxicillin (positive control) and water (negative control).
Main Methods:
- High-throughput sequencing analysis of the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rDNA genes.
- Analysis of 21 cecal samples from mice treated with andrographolide, amoxicillin, or water.
- Comparative analysis of microbial diversity, abundance, and community structure.
Main Results:
- Amoxicillin treatment decreased gut microbial diversity and abundance in a dose-dependent manner.
- Andrographolide administration did not significantly alter the overall intestinal microbial community structure.
- Andrographolide treatment enriched beneficial bacteria like *Firmicutes*, while amoxicillin increased pathogenic bacteria such as *Bacteroides* and *Klebsiella*.
Conclusions:
- Andrographolide administration promotes beneficial gut bacteria without disrupting microbial community structure, unlike amoxicillin.
- Andrographolide shows potential as a therapeutic alternative to antibiotics for restoring gut floral balance and combating antibiotic resistance.
- This study provides a foundation for developing novel strategies to manage intestinal dysbiosis.
