Therapeutic efficacy of Jichuan decoction in slow-transit constipation: focus on gut microbiota modulation.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the therapeutic mechanisms of Jichuan decoction (, JCD) in slow-transit constipation (STC), we focused on its neuromuscular and microbiota-modifying effects.

METHODS

An STC mouse model was induced by administering diphenoxylate for 14 consecutive days. The experimental groups included healthy controls (HC), a saline-treated STC model group, a mosapride-treated positive control group (MSP), and JCD-treated groups at different dosages. Gastrointestinal motility was evaluated first by black stool latency and then by colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine and substance P levels. Neural markers were assessed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and central nervous system specific protein β (S100β) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathological analysis was performed via hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Microbial profiling was conducted via 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

JCD treatment improved intestinal motility in STC mice, increased colonic neurotransmitter levels, increased mucosal thickness and goblet cell density, upregulated protein gene product 9.5 and GDNF, downregulated neuronal nitric oxide synthase and S100β, and reversed dysbiosis through the enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila.

CONCLUSION

JCD alleviates STC by restoring enteric nervous system function and gut microbiota homeostasis, indicating its potential for STC management.