ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Microbiol.
Sec. Microorganisms in Vertebrate Digestive Systems
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1641367
Relieving effect of an Maren-Zhizhu emulsion on loperamide hydrochloride-induced constipation in mice and its effects on the gut microbiota
Provisionally accepted
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Introduction: Constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder, is rapidly increasing in prevalence worldwide. An increasing number of individuals are choosing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an adjunctive treatment for constipation. In this study, the effect of Maren-Zhizhu emulsion (MRZZ) prepared with Cannabis sativa L.(Huomaren), Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.(Dihuang), Citrus aurantium L.(Zhiqiao), Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.(Baizhu), and tiger nut oils from Cyperus esculentus L. on relieving loperamide hydrochloride-induced constipation in mice was evaluated.Methods: MRZZ was administered orally at low (0.65 g/kg) and high (2.6 g/kg) doses for 14 consecutive days. Loperamide hydrochloride (4 mg/kg) was used to induce constipation in male ICR mice. Colon tissue pathology, transcriptomics, and changes in the gut microbiota were analyzed to assess the efficacy of MRZZ in alleviating constipation.We observed changes in fecal water content, time of first black stool, gastrointestinal transit rate, short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) levels, and serum gastrointestinal regulatory peptide levels before and after consuming MRZZ. MRZZ increased the levels of relevant gastrointestinal regulatory neurotransmitters such as MTL, SP, and GAS, as well as SCFAs (especially acetate and isobutyrate). Furthermore, it reshaped the structure of the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and reducing potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Proteobacteria. In addition, MRZZ suppressed intestinal inflammatory responses and enhances intestinal functions. In conclusion, MRZZ may alleviate constipation by synergistically regulating the gut microbiota, which may enhance the application value of TCM to treat constipation.
Keywords: Chinese medicine, Constipation, Emulsion, Transcriptomics, Gut Microbiota
Received: 06 Jun 2025; Accepted: 30 Jul 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Han, Chai, Li, Li, Yao, Huang, Weng, Qiu and Jia. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Zhidong Qiu, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
Ailing Jia, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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