Total ginsenoside wild ginseng root improves spleen qi deficiency by regulating intestinal microbes and flora metabolites

Abstract

Spleen qi deficiency (SQD) is an important immune change in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginseng tonic for deficiency treatment focuses on qi tonicity, which is consistent with the modern medical view of immune enhancement. In this study, the therapy of wild ginseng (WG) extract was examined using weight measurement, histopathology, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Then, 16S rDNA gene sequencing of the gut microbiota and fecal RRLC-Q-TOF tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis were carried out. Finally, the relationship among immunity indicators, permeability indicators, gut microbiota and metabolites was analyzed. Results showed that WG administration significantly increased the body weight and organ index in SQD rats; significantly reversed the levels of immune markers, such as IgA and TNF-a; decreased serum levels, such as LPS; and increased the expression of tight-junction proteins, such as ZO-1, in colonic tissues. The abundance of intestinal microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, was restored in SQD rats. Elevated amino acid content and decreased bile acid content were observed in fecal metabolites. Overall, this study demonstrated the central role of WG in immunomodulation and intestinal microecology in SQD rats, providing a reference for a more in-depth study of the scientific connotation of the traditional efficacy of WG and the interpretation of its clinical pharmacodynamic mechanism.

Keywords

• Wild ginseng
• Gut microbiota
• Metabolomics
• Immune function
• Spleen qi deficiency