Effect of ginsenoside fermented by Pediococcus acidilactici XM-06 on preventing diarrhea in mice via regulating intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota

Ginsenosides has been extensively used in clinical settings to treat various inflammatory diseases. At present, the anti-inflammatory effect of ginsenosides is mainly focused on monomeric ginsenosides, while the total saponins of ginseng and their synergistic effect with probiotic fermentation products are rarely studied. This study aimed to investigate the mitigative effects of fermented ginsenosides with Pediococcus acidilactici on Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea in mice. P. acidilactici XM-06 and ginsenoside fermentation products demonstrated significant pre-protection against ETEC-induced diarrhea by mitigating inflammation, inhibited the ERK and upregulated the Z0–1, 0ccludin and Claudin-1 levels, and reducing oxidative stress. These products not only repaired intestinal mucosal damage caused by ETEC-induced diarrhea in mice but also positively influenced gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bacteroides while decreasing the abundance of Enterobacter , potentially providing a new natural product for the prevention of ETEC-associated diarrheal diseases in humans. • FG was composed of 10 ginsenosides. • FG effectively prevented ETEC-associated diarrheal diseases. • FG regulated the intestinal barrier function. • FG regulated the intestinal bacteria, increased beneficial bacteria and decreased harmful bacteria.