Ultra-Micro Powder From Edible Plants (Pueraria lobata, Cornus officinalis, Cistanche deserticola, and Dendrobium officinale) Reshapes Intestinal Flora and Attenuates Liver Injury in Alcohol-Induced Mice.

Alcohol consumption is a critical global health concern linked to liver injury. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of an edible ultra-micro powder-formulated from Pueraria lobata, Cornus officinalis, Cistanche deserticola, and Dendrobium officinale-against alcohol-induced damage in mice. Mice were randomly assigned to seven groups: Normal, Alcohol, Silymarin, KingDrink, and ultra-micro powder (low, medium, and high doses) for 1 week of daily treatment. The medium dose (1 g/kg) was most effective, reducing serum aspartate aminotransferase and triglyceride levels, lowering hepatic malondialdehyde, and maintaining liver architecture with minimal microvesicular steatosis. The powder increased alcohol dehydrogenase, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase activities, thereby enhancing alcohol metabolism and antioxidant defense. Additionally, it suppressed TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3/ASC signaling, indicating an anti-inflammatory mechanism. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed gut microbiota modulation, specifically reducing Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella while enriching Lactobacillus. Correlation analysis linked Verrucomicrobiota and Lactobacillus to improved liver function. Collectively, this powder exerts hepatoprotection through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota-modulating actions, highlighting its potential as a functional food for preventing alcoholic liver injury.