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

Abstract

Pseudostellaria heterophylla, also called Tai-zi-shen (TZS) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is always used clinically to treat spleen deficiency symptoms. Polysaccharides in TZS have various pharmacological activities, including anti-diabetic, immune regulation, and myocardial protection. However, the relationship between the spleen-invigorating effects of TZS or its polysaccharides and intestinal flora are not clear. This study investigated the effects of TZS decoction (PHD) and polysaccharide (PHP) on immune function and intestinal flora in a rat model of spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) induced by a decoction of raw rhubarb (RRD). PHD and PHP increased immune organ index, alleviated inflammatory cell filtration, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome. In addition, the production of butyric acid was promoted in PHD and PHP groups. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that PHD and PHP reduced the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing the one of Bacteroidetes; significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased the abundance of Rombutsia; and PHP significantly increased the abundance of Alloprevotella. And there was a significant positive correlation between the alleviation of SDS and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria. These findings suggested PHD and PHP, especially PHP, has a potential to relieve spleen deficiency by reducing intestinal inflammation, modulating structure and composition of gut microbiota, and promoting the production of butyric acid.

Probiotic‐fermented Qushi decoction alleviates reserpine‐induced spleen deficiency syndrome by regulating spleen function and gut microbiota dysbiosis

“…5(a)). Alpha diversity was reflected in the Chao1 index, Shannon index and Simpson index, indicating the richness and evenness of the observed species 31,32 (Fig. 5(b-d)).…”

Synthesis of Pseudostellaria heterophyllapolysaccharide‐gold nanocomposites and their antitumor effect through immunomodulation

“…Pseudostellaria heterophylla , used in Chinese Traditional Medicine, was used for palpitation, anorexia, and splenic asthenia (Hu et al, 2020; Jinlong et al, 2016; Xiao et al, 2022). P. heterophylla polysaccharides (PHP), as one of the main active ingredients of P. heterophylla , has been shown to possess a range of biological effects.…”

The Large Molecular Weight Polysaccharide from Wild Cordyceps and Its Antitumor Activity on H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice

“…In recent years, natural polysaccharides have attracted the attention of researchers due to their safety and biological activity [9]. Studies have reported that polysaccharides extracted from TCM have few adverse effects and various biological functions on cancer [10], hyperlipidemia [11], inflammation [12], immunity [13], and antioxidation [14]. Polysaccharides from Penthorum chinense Pursh have been shown to inhibit H22 cell growth via the induction of a mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis [15].…”