Consumption of Dietary Premna microphylla Turcz Leaf Alleviates Functional Constipation via Regulating Gut Microbiota...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Gastroenterology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with significant impact on quality of life.
• Current treatments for constipation have limitations and side effects.
• Natural compounds are being explored for their therapeutic potential in managing constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the preventive effects of a novel pectic polysaccharide from Premna microphylla Turcz leaves (PMTL) on experimental constipation.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PMTL's action in alleviating constipation.

Main Methods:

• A diphenoxylate-induced constipation model (CM) in rats was established.
• Rats were fed a standard diet supplemented with varying doses of PMTL (5%, 10%, 20%) for six weeks.
• Intestinal peristalsis, fecal water content, gut morphology, neurotransmitter levels, colonic aquaporin expression, gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing), and fecal short-chain fatty acids were analyzed.

Main Results:

• PMTL supplementation significantly accelerated intestinal peristalsis and increased fecal water content in CM rats.
• PMTL suppressed gut inflammation by modulating excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter secretions and normalizing colonic aquaporin expression (AQP3, AQP4).
• PMTL administration relieved gut microbiota disorders, promoted beneficial bacteria, and increased fecal short-chain fatty acids.

Conclusions:

• Dietary PMTL consumption effectively ameliorates the development of experimental constipation.
• PMTL demonstrates potential as a promising dietary supplement for alleviating constipation through multiple mechanisms, including gut microbiota modulation and anti-inflammatory effects.