Yigong San Extract Modulates Metabolism, Antioxidant Status, and Immune Function to Improve Health in Diarrheic...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Calf diarrhea significantly impacts dairy production and is often treated with antibiotics, raising concerns about residues and resistance.
• There is a critical need for safe and effective antibiotic alternatives in calf healthcare.
• Yigong San (YGS), a traditional Chinese medicine, is indicated for gastrointestinal inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Yigong San (YGS) as a potential antibiotic alternative for treating calf diarrhea.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of YGS in alleviating calf diarrhea.

Main Methods:

• Twenty diarrheic calves were treated with YGS for seven days, alongside control and naturally diarrheic groups.
• Serum samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and metabolomic profiles.

Main Results:

• YGS treatment improved biochemical indicators and enhanced antioxidant capacity (increased CAT, GSH-PX, SOD; decreased MDA).
• YGS significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-21, IFN-γ) and chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10).
• Metabolomic analysis showed YGS improved metabolic disorders, enriched Arginine and Proline Metabolism pathways, with specific metabolites negatively correlated to inflammation.

Conclusions:

• YGS effectively treats calf diarrhea by boosting antioxidant capacity, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune function and metabolites.
• YGS presents a valuable, safe, and effective alternative to antibiotics for calf diarrhea management in dairy farming.