Targeted remodeling of the human gut microbiome using Juemingzi (Senna seed extracts)

• DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1296619
• Publication Date: 2024-04-04T05:05:21Z
• Authors: Adrienne B. Narrowe; Johanna M. S. Lemons; Karley K. Mahalak; Jenni Firrman; Pieter Van den Ab...; Aurélien Baudot; Stef Deyaert; Yanfang Li; Liangli (Lucy) Yu; LinShu Liu
• Keywords: Senna; Prebiotic

The genus Senna contains globally distributed plant species of which the leaves, roots, and seeds have multiple traditional medicinal nutritional uses. Notable chemical compounds derived from spp. include sennosides emodin been tested for antimicrobial effects in addition to their known laxative functions. However, studies combined components on intact human gut microbiome communities are lacking. This study evaluated Juemingzi ( sp.) extract using SIFR ® (Systemic Intestinal Fermentation Research) technology. After a 48-hour fecal incubation, we measured total bacterial cell density fermentation products including pH, gas production concentrations short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). initial post-incubation microbial community structure functional potential were characterized shotgun metagenomic sequencing. seed) extracts displayed strong, taxon-specific anti-microbial as indicated by significant reductions (40%) intra-sample diversity. Members Bacteroidota nearly eliminated over incubation. While generally part healthy microbiome, specific Bacteroides can be pathogenic. active persistence members Enterobacteriaceae selected Actinomycetota despite reduction overall numbers was demonstrated increased fermentative outputs high acetate with correspondingly reduced pH. These large-scale shifts indicate need further evaluation dosages administration prebiotic or synbiotic supplements. Overall, very these may offer targeted uses tool remodeling microbiome.