Effects of Orychophragmus violaceus extract OVS-2 on the structure and diversity of intestinal flora in mice with radiation intestinal injury

Introduction: Orchophragmus violaceus (OV) has a rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, spanning millennia. Its diverse physiological properties, such as anti-radiation, antibacterial, antitumor, and hepatoprotective effects, have garnered widespread recognition. This study aims to elucidate the potential of OV extracts to mitigate radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) and its impact on the intestinal microbiota. Method: OVS-2, extracted and isolated from OV seeds, was administered to C57 mice following abdominal irradiation (IR) with 60Co rays for RIII. Tissue samples from the small intestine and fecal matter were collected from three groups of mice three days post-administration for histological examination (HE staining) and 16S rRNA fecal intestinal flora sequencing. The composition of the intestinal flora was analyzed through 16S rRNA gene amplification. Result: In vivo experiments demonstrated that OVS-2 supplementation improved the survival rate of mice and mitigated radiation-induced damage to intestinal villi and crypts to some extent. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacillus, and Lactobacillus decreased in the experimental group compared to the model group, while that of Actinobacteria, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Dunaliella increased. LEfSe analysis revealed an increased relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, Dunaliella, Erysipelotrichales, and other bacteria, indicating their potential importance in the mouse intestinal microbiota. Dysbiosis was evident in the intestinal flora of mice in the IR group. Conclusion: Oral administration of OVS-2 can help re-establish the gut microbiota composition and slow down the development of RIII in mice, suggesting that OVS-2 can regulate RIII and disturbance of intestinal flora in mice.