Rapid and selective gut microbiome modulation by polyherbal formulation in type 2 diabetes

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Metformin is a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes but causes gastrointestinal side effects.
• The gut microbiome influences metformin's efficacy and tolerability.
• This study investigates a polyherbal formulation's effect on gut microbiota in metformin-intolerant type 2 diabetes patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a polyherbal formulation, as an add-on therapy to metformin, on the gut microbiota composition and function.
• To assess changes in microbial diversity and specific bacterial taxa.
• To explore potential microbiome-targeted strategies for improving metformin treatment.

Main Methods:

• A 7-day randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial involving 27 adults with type 2 diabetes.
• Participants received either polyherbal formulations or placebo with metformin.
• Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples analyzed microbial diversity, composition, and pathways.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in alpha-diversity were observed.
• Beta-diversity showed significant differences between the polyherbal and placebo groups.
• The polyherbal group exhibited increased abundance of Bifidobacterium species and altered microbial pathways, while the placebo group showed minimal changes.

Conclusions:

• Short-term co-administration of the polyherbal formulation significantly modulates the gut microbiota in metformin-treated type 2 diabetes patients.
• The formulation promotes beneficial taxa, particularly Bifidobacterium.
• These findings support the polyherbal formulation's potential role in microbiome-targeted strategies to enhance metformin tolerability and effectiveness.