Lacticaseibacillus Casei KGC1201 Isolated from Panax Ginseng Mitigates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by...

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is closely linked to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), highlighting the therapeutic potential of probiotics that affect the gut microbiome when ingested. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Lacticaseibacillus casei KGC1201, a strain isolated from Panax ginseng, on a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. L. casei KGC1201 culture powder at doses of 206 and 412 mg/kg was administered orally once daily, one week before DSS administration until sacrifice. A 2% DSS solution was provided ad libitum in drinking water for 7 days, and the mice were sacrificed 3 days after DSS withdrawal. Body weight changes, stool condition, colon length, and the histopathology of the colon tissue were assessed. Additionally, fecal samples were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing to evaluate the gut microbiota composition. Administration of L. casei KGC1201 alleviated colitis symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, and decreased colon length. It also modulated the gut microbiota composition and beneficial functional metabolic pathways, including promoting the growth of beneficial gut microbiota. Moreover, it promoted intestinal epithelial regeneration by activating Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling, a crucial pathway for epithelial self-renewal and repair. These findings suggest that the ginseng-derived L. casei KGC1201 is a promising probiotic candidate for mitigating colitis and supporting intestinal health in patients with IBD.