Floristic Composition Research Articles

A Contribution to the Botany of Orissa

This paper presents the essential features of geology, topography, soil, climate, vegetation and floristic composition of the tropical deciduous and tropical semi-evergreen/evergreen forests occurring in parts of Cuttack district, Keonjhar district, Mayurbhanja district and Bolangir-Sambalpur districts of Orissa. An enumeration of about 868 specie of angiosperms, gymnosperms, pteriodophytes and fungi representing 1845 field numbers collected between 1957-1959 is appended. It includes 34 species and ten genera found as new records for Bihar and Orissa and 60 species found as new records for Orissa only.

Flora of Bulandshahr District

The paper gives an account of the vegetation of the district of Bulandshahr in Central Uttar Pradesh. Edaphic, climatic, biotic and other factors determining the floristic composition of the district have been discussed in the paper. Aquatic and cultivated plants, avenue trees and orchard plants have been mentioned. A list of 376 species has been appended to give an idea of the flora of the District. Cuscuta capitata Roxb. and Clinopodium umbrosum (M. Bieb.) Koch have been reported for the first time from the U. P. plains.

A Botanical Tour to Tirap Frontier Division, NEFA (India)

A botanical tour in the southern parts of Tirap Frontier Division lying to the south-east of the Margherita-Nampong-Pangsupass line and bordering upon Burma and Manipur, undertaken over a period of 20 days during August-September, 1958, pelded 518 species of angiosperms and 120 species of pteridophytes amongst others. This paper presents the geology, topography, soil and vegetation together with a comprehensive analysis of the floristic composition of the vegetational types and is followed by enumeration of the species of angiosperms in the Appendix.Analysis of the species collected and belonging to angiosperms established the following ten families as the richest ones on the basis of the number of species. Orchidaceae (50), Rubiaceae (29), Gramineae (28), Urticaceae (27), Leguminosae (21), Compositae (19), Cyperaceae (19) and Gesneraceae (17), Verbenaceae (12), Labiatae (12). These together represent about 45% of the species collected. About 68 species not recorded by Kanjilal et al(1934-1940) have been reported as additions to the dicotyledonous flora of Assam and NEFA. Several are reported here as new records of species for India.

Botanical and ecological characteristics of the floristic core of woody-shrub plant communities on technogenically devastated lands (Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine)

The long-term effect of man-made impact on the environment leads to a radical change in the biogeocenotic cover, among which a special place is given to the devased lands of the Kryvyi Rih region. Their area has increased significantly over the past fifty years and continues to grow and today is more than 30 thousand hectares. hectare. The process of restoring these lands, in particular the quarry-dump type, which were formed during open-pit mining, is usually slow, the natural vegetation cover here quite specific. The present study examines the results of assessing the floristic composition, ecomorphic characteristics, and vitality of woody and shrub plants that constitute the floristic core on technogenically devastated lands. The study utilized the results of our own research conducted from 2019 to 2023 on the territory of the disturbed areas in the Kryvyi Rih iron ore region. It has been determined that the floristic core on the devastated lands of the Kryvyi Rih region consists of 19 species belonging to 15 genera and 11 families. Within the ecological spectrum of the floristic complex (core) comprising woody and shrubby species, mesoxerophytes are prevalent, succeeded by mesotrophs, with a consistent occurrence of sciophytes and heliophytes. Our results indicate that the ecological conditions of the devastated lands are relatively favorable for the growth and development of woody and shrub plant species. It was found that the vital condition of the floristic complex (core) was assessed as «weakened». The condition of woody plants suggests the relative favorability of the ecological conditions of the dump for their growth and development.

Studies on the Flora of the Pakasura Hills (Hulical Drug R.F.) in the Nilgiri District, Madras State

The Pakasura Hills remained botanically unexplored so far and four seasonal explorations were completed during 1957-58. The slopes of the mountain which reach an altitude of 2,097 M. show zonations in their vegetation represented by the Southern Tropical Thom Type, Tropical Secondary Dry Deciduous Type, Nilgiri Sub Tropical Evergreen Type and Wet Temperate Type of Forests. Some of the plants introduced on the Nilgiris have become naturalised and run wild adding new elements to its floristic composition. The collections from this area include species of plants which are not recorded by Fyson and Gamble for the Nilgiris though some of them are reported by the latter as occurring in the Western Ghats in a very general way.

Multivariate statistical analysis of bioavailability of heavy metals and mineral characterization in selected species of coastal flora

This study presents a thorough investigation into the concentration of heavy metals and mineral composition within four distinct coastal flora species: Cyperus conglomeratus, Halopyrum mucronatum, Sericostem pauciflorum, and Salvadora persica. Employing rigorous statistical methodologies such as Pearson coefficient correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and interclass correlation (ICC), we aimed to elucidate the bioavailability of heavy metals, minerals, and relevant physical characteristics. The analysis focused on essential elements including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl–), all of which are known to play pivotal roles in the ecological dynamics of coastal ecosystems. Through PCA, we discerned distinctive patterns within PC1 to PC4, collectively explaining an impressive 99.65% of the variance observed in heavy metal composition across the studied flora species. These results underscore the profound influence of environmental factors on the mineral composition of coastal flora, offering critical insights into the ecological processes shaping these vital ecosystems. Furthermore, significant correlations among mineral contents in H. mucronatum; K+ with content of Na+ (r = 0.989) and Mg2+ (r = 0.984); as revealed by ICC analyses, contributed to a nuanced understanding of variations in electrical conductivity (EC), pH levels, and ash content among the diverse coastal flora species. By shedding light on heavy metal and mineral dynamics in coastal flora, this study not only advances our scientific understanding but also provides a foundation for the development of targeted environmental monitoring and management strategies aimed at promoting the ecological sustainability and resilience of coastal ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

Studies on the Flora of the Andaman Islands

Studies and observations, made on the flora of the Andaman Islands during a botanical exploration tour in 1959, are recorded in this paper. Andamans are a group of large and small islands 204 in number, lying in the Bay of Bengal between 13°41'and 10°30' N. latitudes, and 92°11'and 93°7'E. longitudes.Important vegetation types commonly met with in these islands are the Mangrove forests, Beach forests, Deciduous forests and Evergreen forests at lower and higher elevations. The floristic composition of the South, Middle, and North Andamans are described in detail. A floristic analysis of the Andaman Islands, based on the collections made during the above tour is presented. An enumeration of the plants collected, is given at the end.

A Botanical Tour to Subansiri Frontier Division (NEFA)

A botanical collection tour along the 100 Km. road track passing through, the Dafla hills and Apatanang valley and lying between Kimin (213 m.) and Ziro (1525 m) in the Subansiri F.D., undertaken during September 1959 yielded 383 species of angiosperms and 66 species of Pteridophytes amongst others. This paper presents the topography, climate and vegetation together with a comprehensive analysis of the floristic composition of the vegetational types and is followed by enumeration of the species in the appendix.Vegetation in the Dafla hills area visited is ascribed to tropical evergreen forest from Kimin to Pitepool and to subtropical evergreen forest, and grassland formation between Kherbari and Hapoli, the last one representing a biotic climax.Apatanang valley is a flat alluvial plain of about 20 sq. miles representing the bed of dried up lake and is very suitable for rice and millet cultivation. Pinus wallichiana and Dendrocalamus sikkimensis are extensively planted in the surrounding hillocks.The analysis of the distribution data shows the occurrence of a large number of species in the area as common to neighbouring. region e.g. Assam sharing 260 species; Sikkim, 119 species; Western Himalayas, 107 species; Burma, 51 species; Manipur, 15 species; Bengal, 29 species; Bihar and Orissa, 13 species and Deccan Peninsula, 28 species.Borreria ocymoides, Torenia asiatica and Cyanotis papilionacea, so far reported as restricted to Deccan Peninsula, Impatiens porrecta, I. paludosa and Solanum khasianum, as enemic to Khasia hills, Argyreia wallichii as endemic to Sikkim, Exacum tetragonum var. stylosa and Dendrobium chrysotoxum reported by Hooker from Burma have now been collected from Subansiri F.D.

Soluble Dietary Fiber from Citrus unshiu Peel Promotes Antioxidant Activity in Oxidative Stress Mice and Regulates Intestinal Microecology

Aging is characterized by the progressive degeneration of bodily tissues and decline in physiological functions, a process that may be exacerbated by imbalances in intestinal flora. Soluble dietary fiber (PSDF) from Citrus unshiu peel has demonstrated strong free radical scavenging ability to regulate intestinal flora in vitro. However, further evidence is required to ascertain the effectiveness of PSDF in vivo. In our study, 8-week-old mice were artificially aged through subcutaneous injections of a 200 mg/kg/d D-galactose solution for 42 days, followed by a 28-day dietary intervention with varying doses of PSDF, insoluble dietary fiber (PIDF), and vitamin C. After the intervention, we observed a significant mitigation of D-galactose-induced oxidative stress, as evident by weight normalization and reduced oxidative damage. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that PSDF significantly altered the composition of intestinal flora, increasing Firmicutes and reducing Bacteroidota percentages, while also enriching colonic short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Spearman correlation analysis further identified a positive correlation between Firmicutes and isovaleric acid, and negative correlations between Muribaculaceae and acetic acid, and between Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and caproic acid. These findings support the potential of Citrus PSDF to alleviate oxidative stress.

CONIFEROUS LEAF-BEARING FOREST BIOMASS ASSESSMENT BY THE EXAMPLE OF THE EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIMENTAL SOIL AND ECOLOGICAL CENTER OF LOMONOSOV MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY “CHASHNIKOVO”

The aim of the work was to assess the contribution of the following components - biomass and mortmass of tree stands, undergrowth, living ground cover, and forest litter - to the total organic matter’s pool of plant community. The object of the study was a territory of coniferous-deciduous forest located in Solnechnogorsk City District of the Moscow region, in which five permanent sample trial plots of 50·50 m were allocated. The greatest contribution to the total organic matter mass of studied plant communities was made by forest stand perennial parts (up to 87%) and forest stand mortmass (up to 14%), and phytomass of deciduous trees in stand containing 32 to 98%, which was connected with incompleteness of forest restoration succession process. The contribution of forest litter was no more than 3%; litter deposit was low (0,18-1,21 kg·m-2), which is not typical for spruce forests, as is the fact that all litter is of the destructive type. Living ground cover in terms of floristic composition and ecological-coenotic structure was typical for the subzone of coniferous-deciduous forests; its contribution to the overall productivity of forest biogeocenosis was insignificant. The spatial intrabiogeocenotic structure of litter reserves and living ground cover biomass distribution was disturbed compared to typical spruce forests due to the high proportion of deciduous species in the forest stand. Deciduous species inclusion in the tree tier, typical of the final stage of formation of a secondary coniferous forest during succession, caused a slight increase in the intensity of the biological cycle, which was indicated in this case by a decrease in the supply of litter and a simplification of their structure. Since the biomass and mortmass of tree stand make the greatest contribution to the sequestration of carbon by forest biogeocenoses, it is these components that require the most detailed assessment during monitoring observations, the purpose of which is to assess the carbon reserves of terrestrial ecosystems.

Mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract to alleviate Chronic Sleep Deprivation-Induced cognitive dysfunction in rats

BackgroundBidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain may play an essential role in the cognitive dysfunction associated with chronic sleep deprivation(CSD). Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen, DS), a famous Chinese medicine and functional tea, is extensively used to protect learning and memory capacities, although the mechanism of action remains unknown. PurposeThe purpose of this research was to explore the efficacy and the underlying mechanism of DS in cognitive dysfunction caused by CSD. MethodsDS chemical composition was analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Forty rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8): control (CON), model (MOD), low- (1.35 g/kg, DSL), high-dose (2.70 g/kg, DSH) DS group, and Melatonin(100 mg/kg, MT) group. A CSD rat model was established over 21 days. DS's effects and the underlying mechanism were explored using the open-field test(OFT), Morris water-maze(MWM), tissue staining(Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining, Nissl staining, Alcian blue-periodic acid SCHIFF staining, and Immunofluorescence), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR), and 16S rRNA sequencing. ResultsWe demonstrated that CSD caused gut dysbiosis and cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were more in fecal samples from model group rats, whereas Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota were less. DS therapy, on the contrary hand, greatly restored the gut microbial community, consequently alleviating cognitive impairment in rats. Further research revealed that DS administration reduced systemic inflammation via lowering intestinal inflammation and barrier disruption. Following that, DS therapy reduced Blood Brain Barrier(BBB) and neuronal damage, further decreasing neuroinflammation in the hippocampus(HP). Mechanistic studies revealed that DS therapy lowered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in the HP, serum, and colon, consequently blocking the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and its downstream pro-inflammatory products(IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX2) in the HP and colon. ConclusionDS treatment dramatically improved spatial learning and memory impairments in rats with CSD by regulating the composition of the intestinal flora, preserving gut and brain barrier function, and reducing inflammation mediated by the LPS-TLR4 signaling pathway. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms by which DS treats cognitive dysfunction caused by CSD.

Vulnerability of the Pteridoflora Towards Climate Change in the West Albertine Rift: Case of the Mountain’s Stages of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The present article aims at analysing the floristic composition of Lycophytes and Ferns to test the disturbances on the vegetation structure occurring in the mountains zones of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP), further, to prove/underline the main threat and the vulnerability which actually is impacting the biodiversity in the mountains of the Western Albertine Rift due to climate changes and resulting in habitat loss as well as result of anthropogenic activities. The KBNP is located at the crossroad of the phytogeography regions of the Guinea-Congolese and Afromontane between 650 to 3326 m of altitude. During 10 years, we conducted comparison studies in the habitats (disturbed and undisturbed) encountered on the vegetation that scales between 1250 à 3300 m of altitude in 30 plots, 15 transects on a one kilometre. The results obtained reveal a variation in the flora composition within the three stages. The difference in the height, the diametric distribution (trees and shrubs) as well as the presence of Pteridophytes between undisturbed and disturbed habitats is highly significant within the 10 years’ observations. In stable and mature parcels, Pteridophytes constitute a very rich, diversified and stable population. Permanent threat manifested through the fragility of the habitats and is further translated by a modification of the floristic composition of the canopy, and sometimes trough the taming of the undergrowth in disturbed parcels. The mountainous part of the KBNP might probably constitute a climatic refuge for Pteridophytes in the Albertine Rift considering their diversity. Furthermore, considering these adaptations, the diversity and the specificity of the biotopes occupied, as well as the bioecological services recognized to Lycophytes and Ferns, they are the real markers for bioindicators of the delicatessen towards climate changes observed in the western rift Albertine. However, anthropogenic effects and sometimes, natural hazards resulting in this protected area, may also constitute a source of vulnerability for Pteridophytes

Mosses of Cockburn Island plateau, Antarctica

Abstract Located east of the Antarctic Peninsula, Cockburn Island is a small island in the James Ross Archipelago. Studies of mosses on the island are scarce. The oldest studies date from the first half of the nineteenth century to the most recent in 1993. The number of records of mosses is very small due to the difficulty of accessing the area. Here, we report an updated composition of the moss flora of the plateau, in which four new records have been found: Bryoerythrophyllum antarcticum, Ceratodon purpureus, Pohlia wilsonii and Schistidium lewis-smithii. The occurrence of these species on the plateau shows that the ranges of these species have expanded from the Antarctic Peninsula to the east. This collection highlights the need for further research into the dynamics of moss flora in the context of climate change.

Investigation of a novel biofilm model close to the original oral microbiome

A more optimized culture medium used in vitro to mimic the bacterial composition of original oral flora as similar as possible remains difficult at present, and the goal of this study is to develop a novel oral biofilm medium to restore the original oral microbiome. Firstly, we conducted a systematic literature review by searching PubMed and summarized the current reported culture media in vitro. Seven culture media were found. We used mixed saliva as the origin of oral species to compare the effects of the above media in culturing oral multispecies biofilms. Results indicated that among the seven media brain heart infusion containing 1% sucrose (BHIs) medium, PG medium, artificial saliva (AS) medium, and SHI medium could obviously gain large oral biofilm in vitro. The nutrients contained in different culture media may be suitable for the growth of different oral bacteria; therefore, we optimized several novel media accordingly. Notably, results of crystal violet staining showed that the biofilm cultured in our modified artificial saliva (MAS) medium had the highest amount of biofilm biomass. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and Shannon index of biofilm cultured in MAS medium were also the highest among all the tested media. More importantly, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis indicated that the biofilm cultured in MAS medium was closer to the original saliva species. Besides, biofilm cultured by MAS was denser and produced more exopolysaccharides. MAS supported stable biofilm formation on different substrata. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a novel MAS medium that could culture oral biofilm in vitro closer to the original oral microbiome, showing a good application prospect.Key points• We compare the effects of different media in culturing oral biofilms• A novel modified artificial saliva (MAS) medium was obtained in our study• The MAS medium could culture biofilm that was closer to oral microbiome

Bryofloristic diversity and conservation value of a protected area in the Brazilian semi-arid region

We collected 137 samples (71—rainy season; 66—dry) for the Brazilian state of Paraíba. With a total of 23 species (one hornwort, 14 mosses and nine liverworts), we updated the bryoflora of Paraíba, a hotspot of bryophytes, by one rare species (Weissia controversa), increasing the total number of species to 188. The floristic composition in the Poeta e Repentista Juvenal de Oliveira State Park is affected by chronic anthropogenic disturbances, and is typical of arid environments, regardless of the season. This indicates homogenization of the habitat from the loss of ecological niche due to the disordered use of local natural resources. However, the record of Philonotis hastata, categorized as Near Threatened by the IUCN; the geographic expansion of a species; and the presence of rare species for Brazil reinforce the importance of the Conservation Unit for bryophyte biodiversity. Despite the floristic composition, we identified that interpretations about biology, environmental functionality and species distribution are more consistent for environmental assessment and decision-making on conservation actions.

Effect of invasive species on forest composition in tropical dry forest: a case study of invasion by Gliricidia sepium

Ecological concerns caused by biological invasion have been considered an inevitable threat to global sustainability. The superior competitive ability of invasive plant species (IPS) has an impact on vegetation composition and loss of native flora. Recognising IPS at an early stage would significantly contribute to controlling invasive plants, protecting biodiversity and formulating appropriate strategies. Most of the studies available on invasive plants are descriptive and largely confined to non-woody species. The present study focused on the alien Gliricidia sepium, a tree species, to determine the invasive potential of its distribution in tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India. Forty square plots (25 × 25 m) were laid out at each uninvaded and invaded forest to enumerate phytosociological attributes to determine the impact of G. sepium on vegetation composition and community structure. Higher density (37.2 individuals ha−1), basal area (6.32 m2 ha−1) and importance value index (95.8) contributed by G. sepium clearly showed the suppression of seedlings, saplings and trees of native forest species at the invaded sites in terms of species richness, cover and other attributes as compared to at the uninvaded sites. Further, other invasive attributes such as higher seed production, dieback phenomenon, higher coppicing power and higher growth rate as observed during the study clearly affirmed the early speculation that the species might be invasive. The species has a strong potential to spread vigorously and may gradually become invasive throughout the country as already reported from various parts of India. In the present study area, G. sepium was introduced due to restoration and plantation programmes and our findings indicate its negative impact on the native vegetation. Thus, we strongly recommend the avoidance of this species for both plantation and restoration programmes, especially for Indian forests. The study helps in early recognition and rapid monitoring of G. sepium to control its spread throughout the country.

Seventy-five years of vegetation change after fire in Tasmanian alpine heathland

Context Alpine ecosystems are threatened by warming and an associated increase in fire frequency. There is a gap in our knowledge of succession in Tasmanian alpine heath more than 50 years after fire. The literature suggests that the alpine successional progression usually involves decreasing rates of change, decreasing differences among fire ages, ongoing transitions among shrub species, ongoing transitions from some lifeforms/species to others, and that warming results in increases in species richness. Aims We test for these tendencies up to 75 years from fire in alpine vegetation on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Tasmania, Australia. Methods We documented the changes in vegetation structure and composition between 1998 and 2022 in plots on either side of an alpine fire boundary in the alpine heathland and used earlier data and observations to extend the record of change after fire to 75 years. We put these changes in the context of the only area of alpine vegetation that was not burnt in 1947 or later. Key results The area last burnt in 1947 exhibited declines in all lifeform covers between 1998 and 2022. All lifeforms except tall shrubs and mat shrubs declined in cover in the area last burnt in 1962. By 2022, shrub cover in the 1962-burnt area had not attained equivalence with the area last burnt in 1947. Herbs had the most dramatic decline in both fire-age classes. There were few shrub seedlings in 2022. All but six taxa, three being exotic, were observed in both the plots and previous broader surveys. Increases in species richness caused by the upward migration of lower-elevation species were not observed. The long-unburnt patch lacked the major dominant of the 1947-burnt plots, namely Orites acicularis, and was dominated by a gymnosperm absent from most of the mountain. Conclusions Succession follows the initial floristic composition model. The differences in trajectories from the 1947 and 1962 fires could possibly be due to desiccation or abrasion damage from increasing wind speeds and temperatures. There are strong indications of further potential change in the absence of fire. Implications The slow rate of recovery and its on-going nature emphasise the importance of keeping fire out of this vegetation type.

Relicts of Threatened Biodiversity: Similarities and Differences among the 7230 EU Habitat Plant Communities on Montane Plateaus of Central Apennines, Italy.

The habitats protected by the European Union (EU) include most peat vegetation, such as mires, swamp mires, fens, and peat bogs-all belonging to the classes Oxycocco-Sphagnetea and Scheuchzerio-Caricetea fuscae and carrying the Habitat Codes 71xx and 72xx. These types of vegetation are typical of cold and cool temperate climates, while they become rarer in Southern Europe where Mediterranean influences prevail, representing relic fragments of the past glacial climatic conditions there. Because of their limited extension and the increasing warmth and drought due to climate change, they are seriously threatened. Even if many studies were performed, their richness and distribution across Europe are still not well-understood, and only a few examples are known from the Central and Southern Apennines to date. In order to provide the syntaxonomical classification of the alkaline fens referable to the EU Habitat 7230 found on the mountain plateaus of the Central Apennines, we analyzed their species structure and flora composition, together with their chorological and ecological characteristics. We also evaluated their conservation status, pressures, and threats. The alkaline fens of the Central Apennines are found to be poorer in diagnostic species when compared to similar communities of Central and Northern Europe. However, they are rich in the species of the surrounding meadows and pastures. Among them, the new subassociation Caricetum davallianae caricetosum hostianae is described.

Kumquat pomace removal of free polyphenol alleviates induced acute enteritis and restores gut microbiota in dextran sodium sulphate‐treated mice

AbstractKumquat pomace non‐extractable polyphenols (KNEP), which contains celobiotics and has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, are one of the main components in kumquats. We aimed to determine the preventive and inhibitory effects of KNEP on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The disease activity index (DAI) score, H&E staining, high‐throughput sequencing technology, quantitative analysis, ELISA, and western blotting were used to explore the effect of KNEP in an IBD mouse model. The DAI score and H&E staining results showed that compared with the DSS treatment group, the DAI and pathological status of IBD in the DSS + 3% KNEP (low‐dose) and DSS + 6% KNEP (high‐dose) intervention groups were significantly improved. High‐throughput sequencing showed that the composition of the intestinal flora was restored under KNEP, and the abundance of pathogenic bacteria decreased and that of beneficial bacteria increased. Quantitative analysis of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) showed that the SCFAs content in the cecum of IBD mice increased in a dose‐dependent manner. ELISA results showed that KNEP at different doses could inhibit the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, and other inflammatory factors, and that 6% KNEP had the most potent inhibitory effect. Western blotting results showed that KNEP inhibited the expression of TLR4, NF‐κB, and NLRP3 in the colon of mice with DSS‐induced colitis in a dose‐dependent manner. These results indicate that KNEP can significantly improve DSS‐induced acute colitis in mice, and the higher the KNEP content, the more pronounced the improvement in IBD.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates acute stress-impaired learning and memory in mice by maintaining the homeostasis of intestinal flora

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been used in surgery to improve patients' postoperative cognitive function. However, the role of Dex in stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment is still unclear. In this study, we tested the role of Dex in anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairment induced by acute restrictive stress and analyzed the alterations of the intestinal flora to explore the possible mechanism. Behavioral and cognitive tests, including open field test, elevated plus-maze test, novel object recognition test, and Barnes maze test, were performed. Intestinal gut Microbe 16S rRNA sequencing was analyzed. We found that intraperitoneal injection of Dex significantly improved acute restrictive stress-induced anxiety-like behavior, recognition, and memory impairment. After habituation in the environment, mice (male, 8 weeks, 18–23 g) were randomly divided into a control group (control, N = 10), dexmedetomidine group (Dex, N = 10), AS with normal saline group (AS + NS, N = 10) and AS with dexmedetomidine group (AS + Dex, N = 10). By the analysis of intestinal flora, we found that acute stress caused intestinal flora disorder in mice. Dex intervention changed the composition of the intestinal flora of acute stress mice, stabilized the ecology of the intestinal flora, and significantly increased the levels of Blautia (A genus of anaerobic bacteria) and Coprobacillus. These findings suggest that Dex attenuates acute stress-impaired learning and memory in mice by maintaining the homeostasis of intestinal flora.