Weizmannia Coagulans BC99 Prevents Loperamide-Induced Functional Constipation in Mice Through Increased Intestinal Peristalsis and Modulation of Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis.

Objectives

Constipation is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that probiotics may alleviate constipation by restoring gut microbiota balance.

Methods

This study investigated the effects of Weizmannia coagulans BC99 (formerly Bacillus coagulans BC99) on gut microbiota and intestinal function in a loperamide-induced mouse model of functional constipation. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, model, phenolphthalein, BC99-L (2 × 107 CFU/day), BC99-M (2 × 108 CFU/day), and BC99-H (2 × 109 CFU/day). After 14 days of supplementation, constipation was induced in mice via loperamide administration.

Results

BC99 significantly increased fecal water content, gastrointestinal transit rate, microbial metabolic activity, and butyric acid production, while decreasing the abundance of inflammation-related metabolic pathways. Moreover, BC99 improved levels of gastrointestinal regulatory peptides, including motilin and somatostatin. The Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio was elevated in the BC99-M and the BC99-H group compared to the model group, indicating that BC99 effectively modulated gut microbiota composition and host biosynthetic pathways.

Conclusions

Weizmannia coagulans BC99 alleviated and prevented loperamide-induced functional constipation in mice by enhancing intestinal peristalsis and restoring gut microbial homeostasis.