Combining 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Metabolomics to Study the Therapeutic Effects of Sangge Jiangzhi Pill on Hyperlipidemia Rats

Sangge Jiangzhi pill, as a traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation, can be used to treat hyperlipidemia. However, the specific material basis and mechanism of action of the Sangge Jiangzhi pill are not clear. In this study, gut microbiota and host metabolism were investigated using 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics techniques. The changes in body weight, organ index, serum biochemical levels, and liver pathology demonstrated that the Sangge Jiangzhi pill reduced body weight and attenuated fat accumulation in hyperlipidemic rats. The results of gut microbiota analysis demonstrated that the Sangge Jiangzhi pill significantly enhanced the richness and diversity of gut microbiota in hyperlipidemia rats. Moreover, it regulated the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, Blautia, Parabacteroides, Helicobacter, Colidextribacter, Desulfovibrio, Rikenella, and Tuzzerella to protect the intestinal barrier and relieve the oxidative stress reaction. Metabonomics analysis showed that a total of 32 differential metabolites were identified in feces. The results of the correlation analysis revealed a significant association between intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites. These results suggested that the Sangge Jiangzhi pill could achieve the purpose of treating hyperlipidemia by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and metabolic activity disorder.