Cannabis sativa L. alleviates loperamide-induced constipation by modulating the composition of gut microbiota in mice

Abstract

MaZiRenWan (MZRW) is the most frequently used Traditional Chinese Medicine formula to treat chronic constipation, Cannabis sativa L. is regarded as a monarch drug in MZRW. However, the targets of Cannabis sativa L. that enhance colonic motility and improve constipation symptoms remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate the laxative effect and underlying mechanism of the water extract of Cannabis sativa L. (WECSL) using a loperamide-induced constipation mouse model. We found that WECSL treatment significantly improved intestinal motility and water-electrolyte metabolism, decreased inflammatory responses, prevented gut barrier damage, and relieved anxiety and depression in constipated mice. WECSL also structurally remodeled the composition of the gut microbiota and altered the abundance of bacteria related to inflammation, specifically Butyricicoccus and Parasutterella. Moreover, WECSL failed to relieve constipation symptoms following intestinal flora depletion, indicating that WECSL alleviates constipation symptoms depending on the gut microbiota. Our research provides a basis for WECSL to be further investigated in the treatment of constipation from the perspective of modern medicine.

Moringa oleifera leaf alleviates functional constipation via regulating the gut microbiota and the enteric nervous system in mice

“…Humans have searched for many natural products from edible and medicinal plants that are effective in preventing and treating FC. Modern scientific research has confirmed the laxative effect of M. oleifera leaves ( Li R. et al, 2022 ; Li C. et al, 2022 ; Li L. et al, 2022 ), but the mechanism of the laxative effect of M. oleifera leaves is not yet systematically understood. MOAE was found to be low in fat and high in protein and carbohydrates and contained a certain amount of polysaccharides ( Supplementary Table S1 ).…”

“…Cannabis sativa L. aqueous extracts significantly elevated the abundance of B. spp. while relieving constipation ( Li R. et al, 2022 ; Li C. et al, 2022 ; Li L. et al, 2022 ). Our correlation analysis results also support the idea that Butyricoccus might play a beneficial role in the process of FC mitigation by MOAE.…”

Yunpi Tongbian Fang alleviates slow transit constipation induced by loperamide by regulating intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in rats

“…Butyrate is the main source of metabolic energy in the large intestine, helping to maintain its integrity, control intestinal inflammation, and support genomic stability (21). According to reports, butyric acid directly stimulates colon motility by stimulating the release of 5-HT or promoting the cholinergic pathway (22). Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota acts on intestinal chromaffin cells using SCFAs as mediators, regulating the synthesis and release of 5-HT.…”

Got the Munchies for an Egg Sandwich? The Effects of Cannabis on Bowel Motility and Beyond

“…Animal models and human crosssectional studies have successfully demonstrated alterations in gut microbiota caused by phytocannabinoid exposure. More importantly, inflammatory markers and clinical symptoms were improved after correction of the pathologic dysbiosis in animal models (33)(34)(35).…”