Blending Three Probiotics Alleviates Loperamide-Induced Constipation in Sprague-Dawley (SD)-Rats

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• BIOVITA 3, a probiotic blend, is used for gut health.
• Its efficacy for constipation relief is not yet established.
• Constipation affects a significant portion of the population, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional effects of BIOVITA 3 and its individual strains on loperamide-induced constipation in Sprague-Dawley rats.
• To investigate the impact on gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acid production, and intestinal morphology.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of BIOVITA 3 or its component strains (1.0×10^9 CFU/day) to constipated rats.
• Assessment of fecal parameters, gastrointestinal transit ratio, histopathology, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and metagenome analysis.
• Comparison between normal, constipated, and probiotic-treated groups.

Main Results:

• BIOVITA 3 administration significantly improved fecal output, water content, and gastrointestinal transit.
• Histopathological analysis revealed thickening of the mucosal layer in the BIOVITA 3 group.
• Increased total SCFAs were observed in all probiotic-treated groups, with notable improvements in the BIOVITA 3 group.
• Metagenome analysis indicated significant improvements in microbial abundance and diversity in BIOVITA 3-treated rats.

Conclusions:

• BIOVITA 3 demonstrates significant efficacy in ameliorating loperamide-induced constipation in rats.
• The probiotic blend positively influences gut microbiota composition and SCFA production.
• BIOVITA 3 shows promise as a functional food ingredient for constipation management.