Mume fructus alters the abundance of intestinal microbiota and alleviates damaged intestinal barrier and inflammation in rats with DSS induced colitis

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of colitis by influencing the immune response and inflammation in the colon. Previous research has shown that Mume Fructus, a traditional Chinese medicine, can alleviate colitis by reducing the activity of inflammatory pathways. However, the specific connection between Mume Fructus-treated colitis and regulation of gut flora remains unclear, prompting further investigation. This research aims to delve deeper into the possible impact of the gut microbiota in colitis when treated with the aqueous decoction of Mume Fructus (MF). The effects of MF on rats with DSS-induced colitis were assessed through examination of pathological indicators, intestinal barrier proteins, and analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing to investigate its impact on the gut microbiota. In addition, the colon contents of rats after the administration of MF were transplanted into rats with colitis, and the effect of MF on intestinal flora was verified, and “beneficial bacteria” were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and Spearman’s correlation analysis. In summary, our findings suggest that MF has the potential to ameliorate symptoms of colitis through modulation of intestinal microbiota and restoration of intestinal barrier function.