Abstract
Eclipta prostrata has been extensively studied for its promoting effect on human health. Previous study proved that E. prostrata possessed anti-osteoporosis function in SAMP6 mice via gut microbiota (GM). Endophytes are widespread in plants, especially in Chinese herbal medicines. However, little is known regarding the endophytes of E. prostrata. In this study, we focus on screening and identifying the endophytes from plant E. prostrata and exploring their roles in modulating GM. According to biochemical, physiological tests and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, ten endophytes were characterized in different locations of plant E. prostrata belonging to Lactococcus, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Exiguobacterium and Pantoea. The antimicrobial activity of endophytes EP01-10 was investigated via the oxford cup method. Furthermore, the acid and bile salt resistant ability of EP01-10 was detected to explore their survival ability in gastrointestinal tract. Results indicated that strains of Lactococcus, Bacillus and Exiguobacterium (EP01, 03 and 05) showed strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and strains of Lactococcus, Bacillus and Enterococcus (EP01, 02, 04, 08 and 10) have the ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract. 16S rRNA sequencing of GM in C57BL/6J mice was performed for diversity and structure analysis responded to the administration of E. prostrata extract. E. prostrata extract acted on improving the microflora diversity, particularly in increasing the abundance of Lactococcus significantly. Thus, as an endophyte, Lactococcus plays an important role in E. prostrata modulating intestinal tract. Our study suggested that endophytes of Chinese herbal medicines might be a novel target for the treatment of diseases by regulating the GM.
Highlights
Increasing studies have confirmed that a number of Chinese herbs could regulate the balance of intestinal micro-ecology [1] [2]
Results indicated that strains of Lactococcus, Bacillus and Exiguobacterium (EP01, 03 and 05) showed strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and strains of Lactococcus, Bacillus and Enterococcus (EP01, 02, 04, 08 and 10) have the ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract. 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota (GM) in C57BL/6J mice was performed for diversity and structure analysis responded to the administration of E. prostrata extract
The microorganism EP01-10 listed in Table 1 used in this study isolated from E. prostrata herbs sample including six Bacillus strains, one Lactococcus strain, one Exiguobacterium strain, one Pantoea strain, one Bacterium strain and the indicator strains of E. coli CMCC44103 and S. aureus ATCC6358 were preserved at microbiology laboratory of Tianjin University of traditional Chinese medicine
Summary
Increasing studies have confirmed that a number of Chinese herbs could regulate the balance of intestinal micro-ecology [1] [2]. Endophytes and their metabolites of Chinese herbs play an important role in the field of agriculture, food, medicine, ecology and have a wide range of antimicrobial activities [3] [4] [5]. Endophytes can regulate the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites [7]. The screening of endophytes and how they involve in plants to perform their biological functions in gut remain to be studied
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