Codonopsis pilosula Polysaccharide Improved Spleen Deficiency in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Energy Related Metabolisms

Abstract

Codonopsis Radix (CR) is an important traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS). Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides (CPP) in CR are considered to be responsible for tonifying the spleen function; however, the mechanisms of the polysaccharides have remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the treatment mechanisms of CPP in SDS mice using a combinational strategy of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics. Here, studies demonstrated that CPP had invigorating effect in vivo in Sennae Folium-induced SDS in mice by organ indexes, D-xylose determination, gastrointestinal hormones levels and goblet cells observation. Antibiotic treatment revealed that the intestinal microbiota was required for the invigorating spleen effect of CPP. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis found that CPP significantly enriched probiotic Lactobacillus and decreased the abundance of some opportunistic pathogens, such as Enterococcus and Shigella. The metabolic profile analysis of the colonic content revealed that 25 chemicals were altered significantly by CPP, including amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates and carnitine etc., which are mainly related to “energy conversion” related processes such as amino acids metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and nitrogen metabolism. Spearman’s correlation assays displayed there were strong correlations among biochemical indicators-gut microbiota-metabolomics. In summary, these results provided a new perspective for CPP improving SDS by regulating energy metabolism related bacteria and pathways.

Analysis of 14 terpenoids and sterols and variety discrimination of Codonopsis Radix using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

“…(C. tangshen) [1,2]. Based on the results of several past studies, both polysaccharides, and oligosaccharides in Codonopsis Radix possess good pharmacological activities [3][4][5]. In addition, our recent experiments confirmed that the 95% ethanol-extracted fraction of Codonopsis Radix exhibited significant pharmacological activities, and Wang [6] isolated a series of triterpenoids and sterols from the 95% ethanol extract of Codonopsis Radix.…”

Polysaccharides from Pseudostellaria heterophylla modulate gut microbiota and alleviate syndrome of spleen deficiency in rats

“…Spleen deficiency is often accompanied by immune deficiency, which generally manifests as decrease in immune organ index, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and impaired intestinal barrier 5 , 11 , 30 . It has also been found in the present study that decreases in immune organ (spleen and thymus) index, increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, and TNF-α and the significant inflammatory cell infiltration in colon in the Model group.…”

“…SDS has also been reported to be closely related to intestinal microbial disturbances, which refers to significant changes in the structure and composition of gut flora 1 , 10 , 11 , 28 , 36 . It has been reported that non-starch polysaccharides extracted from Codonopsis Radix , Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata and Sijunzi compound could regulate the structure and composition of intestinal flora and promote the reproduction of intestinal probiotics 3 , 5 , 37 . In present study, PHP not only have a positive effect on the diversity and abundance of probiotics, but also make the structure and composition of intestinal microorganisms close to those in the Ctrl group.…”

A systematic review of the mechanism of action and potential medicinal value of codonopsis pilosula in diseases

“…It has the effects of strengthening the spleen, moistening the lungs, activating the blood, and generating fluids ( Wang J. et al, 2024 ). It is often studied by researchers as a stand-alone agent in addition to being used in combination with other drugs ( Cao et al, 2022 ). We summarize the research progress of CP in diseases in the last 5 years.…”

“…These active ingredients have a wide range of roles in the digestive system, metabolic system, nervous system, cardiovascular system and cancer treatment. For example, Codonopsis polysaccharides (CPPs), found in CP, is thought to play a role in increasing splenic tone ( Cao et al, 2022 ). However, the mechanism of action of CP in disease treatment, whether used alone or in combination with other drugs, is unclear.…”