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PP-08

Paeonia suffruticosa reshapes the gut microbiota to prevent colitis by

enriching Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and Akkermansia muciniphila

1
Yong-Qi Wang, Jye-Lin Hsu* ,1

1 China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
* E-mail: qiqi0910@gmail.com

Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and its
dysregulation has been closely associated with the onset and progression of inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, strategies that can modulate gut microbial composition hold
promise for disease prevention and management. Mu Dan Pi (MDP, Moutan Radicis Cortex,
the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa), a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used for
gastrointestinal disorders, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether
MDP can regulate gut microbiota to prevent disease onset remains largely unknown. In this
study, we investigated the preventive effects of the water extract of MDP in a dextran sulfate
sodium-induced colitis mouse model. Mice receiving MDP displayed reduced inflammation
compared with the control group. Microbiota analysis further demonstrated that MDP improved
both alpha and beta diversity, indicating enhanced microbial richness and community stability.
Moreover, MDP selectively promoted the growth of beneficial taxa, particularly Akkermansia
muciniphila and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, which are associated with mucosal health and
short-chain fatty acid production, thereby contributing to the improvement of gut microbial
homeostasis. These findings highlight the preventive potential of MDP against IBD through
regulation of gut microbiota and provide new insights into the development of natural product-
based strategies for disease prevention.

Keywords: Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Radicis Cortex, the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa);
inflammatory bowel disease; Gut microbiota; Akkermansia muciniphila;
Bifidobacterium pseudolongum