Abstract:The effects of black Jerusalem artichoke polysaccharide on intestinal function and floral diversity in constipated mice were investigated in this study. KM mice were randomly divided into blank and model control groups, and black Jerusalem artichoke polysaccharide low (2.5 g/kg·bw), medium (5.0 g/kg·bw) and high (10.0 g/kg·bw) dose groups. The constipation mouse model was established by treating with diphenoxylate for 14 consecutive days and polysaccharide intervention was started from day 8. The number of defecation pellets within 6 h and intestinal ink propulsion rate were observed. The 16S rDNA gene sequences of intestinal flora were also analyzed using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing. The results indicated that compared with the model group, in the low, medium, and high dose groups, the number of melena increased by 48.21%, 98.21% and 78.57%, respectively, and the ink propulsion rate increased by 67.34%, 107.05% and 87.08%, respectively. Among groups, the medium dose group produced the best results. After intervention with the medium dose black Jerusalem artichoke polysaccharide, the diversity and richness of intestinal flora, as well as the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides and the abundance of Proteobacteria increased significantly (p<0.05). The intervention also promoted the proliferation of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Faecalibaculum (p<0.05). Therefore, consumption of black Jerusalem artichoke polysaccharide in appropriate amounts may be helpful to reverse the disturbance of intestinal flora caused by constipation and to alleviate symptoms of constipation.
