Lactobacillus paracasei fermented goji juice improves constipation in mice through inhibiting inflammation and regulating intestinal microecology

This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei ( L. paracasei )-fermented Goji juice supernatant (FGS) on constipation. GC–MS data showed that the critical metabolites of FGS were nicotinamide, squalene, L-proline, melatonin, and sarcosine. FGS intervention significantly promoted intestinal peristalsis. Meanwhile, FGS ameliorated intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier damage by inhibiting the expressions of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2), promoting the expressions of Mucin 1, Mucin 3, ZO-1, AQP4, and ENac-γ. In addition, FGS treatment modulated gut microbiota composition, reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria ( Faecalibaculum , Bacteroides , Alloprevotella and Alistipes ), induced a bloom of probiotics, including Marvinbryantia , Eubacterium _ xylanophilum _group, Colidextribacter , and Candidatus _ Soleaferrea . Conclusively, this study demonstrated that FGS significantly reduced inflammatory response, prevented intestinal barrier damage, and modulated microbiota dysbiosis to improve constipation. Compared to unfermented Goji juice (UFGJ), FGS has shown a more effective anti-constipation effect, indicating that FGS could relieve constipation as a dietary therapeutic. • FGS ameliorated constipation by inhibiting the expressions of pro-inflammatory factors. • FGS improved mucosal barrier damage by up-regulated the transcription of Mucin 1, Mucin 3 and ZO-1. • FGS amended the intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites in constipated mice.