Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice
07:49

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice

Published on: June 2, 2022

3.4K

Magnoflorine alleviates colitis-induced anxiety-like behaviors by regulating gut microbiota and microglia-mediated

Lei Wang1,2, Mengfan Li1, Yue Dong1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China.

Microbiome
|July 27, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ziziphus jujuba

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anxiety frequently co-occur, linked via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
  • Current anxiety medications have limitations due to adverse effects, driving research into natural alternatives.
  • Understanding drug mechanisms within the gut-brain axis is crucial for mood modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of natural compounds for treating comorbid IBD and anxiety.
  • To elucidate the gut-brain axis mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects of Ziziphus jujuba.
  • To identify specific gut microbiota and metabolic pathways influenced by Ziziphus jujuba.

Main Methods:

  • Mendelian randomization analysis to establish causality between ulcerative colitis (UC) and anxiety.
  • Utilized the Batman database to identify Ziziphus jujuba as a potential therapeutic agent.
  • Investigated the effects of magnoflorine (a Ziziphus jujuba compound) on colitis and anxiety behaviors in mice.
  • Analyzed changes in gut microbiota composition and bile acid metabolism.
  • Examined the impact of hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) on inflammation and anxiety.

Main Results:

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC) showed a causal link with anxiety, not depression.
  • Ziziphus jujuba, specifically its compound magnoflorine, demonstrated dual therapeutic potential for UC and anxiety.
  • Magnoflorine treatment reduced colitis and associated anxiety behaviors by modulating gut microbiota (increasing Odoribacteraceae and Ruminococcus) and bile acid metabolism.
  • Hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) supplementation alleviated colitis and anxiety.
  • HDCA inhibited TLR4/MD2 complex activation, reducing microglial activation and neuroinflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Magnoflorine effectively alleviates colitis-induced anxiety-like behaviors.
  • The mechanism involves regulating gut microbiota and inhibiting microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.
  • Magnoflorine shows promise as a dual therapeutic agent for patients with IBD and anxiety disorders.
Keywords:
AnxietyFecal microbiota transplantationHyodeoxycholic acidInflammatory bowel diseaseMagnoflorine

More Related Videos

Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation08:53

Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation

Published on: July 27, 2022

917
DNBS/TNBS Colitis Models: Providing Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fat09:04

DNBS/TNBS Colitis Models: Providing Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fat

Published on: February 27, 2014

47.8K

Related Concept Videos

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
390
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
336
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents01:18

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents

Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
203
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
422
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
651
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists01:23

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
405