Research on the combination of Polygonatum sibiricum and Poria cocos for preventing constipation due to pi deficiency.

This study investigated the preventive effects of combination of Polygonatum sibiricum and Poria cocos on constipation due to pi deficiency and aimed to explore a potential early intervention strategy. The administered groups were gavaged with medicinal liquids containing different ratios of Polygonatum sibiricum to Poria cocos (A, 3:1; B, 1:1; and C, 1:3) for 14 days. Subsequently, a mouse model of constipation due to pi deficiency was established through a combination of Folium Sennae decoction gavage, diet regulation, water restriction, and abnormal hunger and satiety. The normal group was fed normally for 29 days. After 14 days of normal feeding, the model group mice were modeled according to the above modeling method. The study compared fecal characteristics, water content, serum D-xylose levels, intestinal microbial counts, and enzyme activities among the different groups. The results showed that mice with constipation due to pi deficiency exhibited altered body weights and behavior, along with altered fecal features and reduced fecal water content. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota and disturbances in enzyme activities were observed. The mice in the administered groups showed less fluctuation in body weight and improved behavior. Fecal traits were improved, and the water content of feces was increased. Notably, ratio B (1:1) demonstrated the most significant effects, effectively restoring the intestinal flora balance and alleviating enzyme activity disorders. These findings suggest that the combination of Polygonatum sibiricum and Poria cocos at a 1:1 ratio exerts the most beneficial preventive effects on constipation due to pi deficiency by improving intestinal health and microbial homeostasis.