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Run Chang Tong Mi tea alleviates functional constipation through regulating gut microbiota and SCF/c-kit pathway
Chenxi Zhang1, Yani Jiang1, Xiuwei Li1
1Heilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Harbin, 150036, China.
Summary
Run Chang Tong Mi tea (RCTM) effectively treats functional constipation (FC) in rats by restoring gut microbiota balance and improving intestinal motility. This study clarifies RCTM's mechanism in alleviating FC symptoms through gut microbiota modulation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Functional constipation (FC) is linked to gut microbiota imbalance and hormonal disruption.
- Run Chang Tong Mi tea (RCTM) shows clinical efficacy for FC, but its mechanism remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how RCTM alleviates FC by enhancing intestinal motility and mucosal secretion.
- Elucidate RCTM's mechanism via gut microbiota, metabolites, and the SCF/c-kit pathway.
Main Methods:
- Established FC rat model using loperamide hydrochloride.
- Assessed RCTM efficacy via stool parameters, gut transit, hormone levels, and intestinal barrier integrity.
- Analyzed gut microbiota composition (16S rDNA sequencing) and SCFA levels (GC/MS), and investigated the SCF/c-kit pathway (Western blot, RT-qPCR).
Main Results:
- RCTM restored gastrointestinal motility and repaired the intestinal barrier in FC rats.
- RCTM modulated gut microbiota, increased SCFA production, and regulated the SCF/c-kit pathway.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from RCTM-treated rats alleviated FC symptoms, indicating microbiota's role.
Conclusions:
- RCTM ameliorates functional constipation in rats.
- The therapeutic effect is associated with gut microbiota modulation, SCFA elevation, and SCF/c-kit pathway restoration.
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