This study aims to evaluate the prebiotic potential of polysaccharides derived from Stellariae Radix (SRPs) and explore their influence on the gut microbiota composition in mice. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum were cultivated in an MRS medium, while their growth kinetics, clumping behavior, sugar utilization, pH variation, growth density, and probiotic index were meticulously monitored. Additionally, the impact of crude Stellariae Radix polysaccharides (CSRP) on the richness and diversity of gut microbiota in mice was assessed via 16S rDNA sequencing. The results demonstrated the remarkable ability of CSRPs to stimulate the proliferation of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. Moreover, the oral administration of CSRPs to mice led to a noticeable increase in beneficial bacterial populations and a concurrent decrease in detrimental bacterial populations within the intestinal flora. These findings provided an initial validation of CSRPs as a promising agent in maintaining the equilibrium of gut microbiota in mice, thereby offering a substantial theoretical foundation for developing Stellariae Radix as a prebiotic ingredient in various applications, including food, healthcare products, and animal feed. Furthermore, this study presented novel insights for the exploration and utilization of Stellariae Radix resources.
Keywords: Stellariae Radix; gut microbiota; polysaccharides; prebiotic activity.