Regulatory effect of Fructus Mume decoction on gut microbiota in mice based on 16S rDNA sequencing

Objectives: Fructus Mume has long been used to prevent diseases by modulating gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, and boosting immune function. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the specific connection between Fructus Mume and gut health. Materials and Methods: This study employed 16S rDNA sequencing to investigate the regulatory effects of Fructus Mume decoction on the gut microbiota structure in Kunming (KM) mice. 13-week-old male KM mice were randomly assigned to a control group and to low-, medium-, and high-dose Fructus Mume groups (n = 4 per group). Mice were administered distilled water or Fructus Mume decoction (0.42, 0.84, 1.68 gm/kg) via daily gavage (0.2 ml) for 7 consecutive days. Fecal samples were collected on days 1 and 7 post-withdrawal. Results: At the phylum level, on day 1 post-withdrawal, the Bacteroidota abundance increased slightly in the high-dose group, while the Firmicutes_D abundance increased significantly. At the genus level, CAG-873 and Alloprevotella exhibited significantly positive correlations with Fructus Mume dose, whereas UMGS1994 and Nanosyncoccus showed significantly negative correlations (|r| > 0.4). Functional prediction indicated upregulation of carbohydrate metabolism and xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism pathways in Fructus Mume groups. The latter pathway gradually downregulated post-treatment cessation. Molecular docking analysis revealed that kaempferol and quercetin in Fructus Mume decoction could interact with core proteins associated with intestinal diseases. Conclusions: Gavage of Fructus Mume decoction at human-equivalent doses for one week altered intestinal flora composition in KM mice, reducing diversity and richness, and the dose of 0.84 gm/kg was more beneficial to gut health. These parameters gradually recovered post-withdrawal.