Mung Bean Starch-Derived Fermented Liquid Alleviates Constipation via 5-HT Modulation and Gut Microbiota Regulation: An In Vivo Study
Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a significant impact on quality of life. Methods: Constipation was induced in male ICR mice via 25% cotrimoxazole gavage (20 mL/kg/day for 7 days). Mice were divided into prevention (pre-MBSFL), treatment (MBSFL), and control groups...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Foods |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/14/2483 |
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| Summary: | Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a significant impact on quality of life. Methods: Constipation was induced in male ICR mice via 25% cotrimoxazole gavage (20 mL/kg/day for 7 days). Mice were divided into prevention (pre-MBSFL), treatment (MBSFL), and control groups. MBSFL was prepared by fermenting mung bean starch with <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> (1:3 <i>w</i>/<i>v</i> ratio, 37 °C for 48 h), and administered via daily oral gavage (250 mg/kg bw) for 14 days. Fecal parameters (water content and first black stool latency), gastrointestinal motility (gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion), serum biomarkers (NO, VIP, SP, and 5-HT), and intestinal gene expression (5HTR<sub>4</sub>, SERT, and MAO<sub>A</sub>) were analyzed. Results: MBSFL intervention restored fecal water content by 38%, reduced first black stool latency from 6.2 h to 3.1 h, and improved small intestinal propulsion by 64%. Additionally, it downregulated serum NO (25%) and VIP (32%) while upregulating SP (49%) and 5-HT (78%) levels. Intestinal 5HTR4 and SERT expression increased by 78% and 71%, respectively, with MAOA suppression (25%). Microbial analysis revealed a 140% increase in <i>Dubosiella</i> and 49% in <i>Lactobacillus</i> abundance, alongside a 62% reduction in <i>Mucispirillum</i>. MBSFL contained polysaccharides (12.3% <i>w</i>/<i>w</i>) and organic acids, including hydroxy butyric acid (4.2 mg/mL). Conclusions: MBSFL alleviates constipation through dual mechanisms: modulating 5-HT pathway activity and restoring gut microbiota homeostasis. |
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| ISSN: | 2304-8158 |