Psyllium Husk Powder improves constipation by remodeling gut microbiota and improving intestinal metabolites

Constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder related to intestinal flora imbalance and inflammation. Numerous clinical studies have affirmed the efficacy of psyllium husk powder (PHP) in alleviating constipation; however, the efficacy and specific mechanism of PHP in alleviating constipation still lack comprehensive and in-depth discussions. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the mechanism by which round-bracted psyllium husk powder improves loperamide hydrochloride-induced constipation in mice, focusing on gut microbiota and fecal metabolic profiles while comparing the effects of PHP interventions at varying doses to polyethylene glycol 4000 bulk treatment for a comprehensive evaluation of PHP's efficacy in alleviating constipation. Our findings revealed that PHP significantly reduced defecation time and increased fecal output, weight, water content, intestinal motility, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations while positively influencing intestinal inflammation and promoting repair of the intestinal barrier, and higher doses of PHP demonstrate optimal efficacy. Furthermore, PHP markedly modified the microbial composition in constipated mice by enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analyses indicated that PHP contributed to elevated levels of Cucurbitacin B, BIX 01294 Trihydrochloride along with peptides like Asp-Gly-Lys-Ile-Leu and Val-Met-Met-Val-Arg among other potentially beneficial metabolites. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PHP alleviates constipation by modulating metabolic pathways associated with SCFA production, beneficial microbiota colonization, and the reduction of intestinal inflammation, encompassing ABC transporters, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and galactose metabolism etc. In conclusion, PHP can effectively relieve constipation by remodeling the structure of the gut microbiota while enhancing its associated metabolic pathways and products.