Banxia Xiexin Decoction prevents colitis by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing defensin and immunoglobulin A production.
Journal
Phytomedicine
Journal Volume
148
Start Page
Article Number : 157393
ISSN
1618-095X
Date Issued
2025-11-25
Author(s)
Lin, Hsiang Yun
Chen, Tzu-Fan
Tsai, Tsung-Yu
Chang, Hen-Hong
Lai, Zi-Lun
Cho, Der-Yang
Hsu, Jye-Lin
Abstract
Banxia xiexin decoction (BXD), a classical formula from the Shang Han Lun, is widely used for gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis and diarrhea. However, its preventive potential against colitis and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine how BXD exerts preventive efficacy against colitis through modulation of gut microbiota and strengthening mucosal immunity. Mice were pretreated with BXD for 14 days prior to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by full-length 16S rRNA sequencing, while immune mechanisms were examined by RNA sequencing, quantitative PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. A human intervention study assessed changes in microbiota and circulating IgA after 14-day BXD consumption. BXD pretreatment attenuated DSS-induced colitis in a dose-dependent manner, as shown by reduced weight loss, improved histological scores, decreased immune cell infiltration, and lower inflammatory cytokine production. Unlike 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which is used therapeutically after disease onset, BXD demonstrated preventive efficacy when administered prior to DSS exposure. Microbiota analyses indicated overall stability in richness but selective modulation of key taxa, with enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila and Ruminococcus spp. and suppression of Colidextribacter spp. In addition, BXD strengthened mucosal defenses by upregulating α-defensins and enhancing B cell-mediated IgA production. Consistently, in humans, BXD increased circulating IgA levels and selectively reduced pathogenic Campylobacter spp. while preserving beneficial bacteria. BXD pretreatment reduces colitis development and severity by modulating gut microbiota and reinforcing intestinal immune defenses through α-defensin induction and B cell-IgA responses. In contrast to 5-ASA, which is limited to treatment, BXD pretreatment could limit disease development and reduce colitis severity, thereby demonstrating its potential as a preventive intervention.
Subjects
Anti-inflammation
BXD
Banxia xiexin decoction
Gut microbiota
IgA
Inflammatory bowel disease
Traditional Chinese medicine
Publisher
Elsevier GmbH
Type
journal article