Modulation of gut microbiota composition by three traditional mineral medicines in mice

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations rely on syndrome differentiation and empirical knowledge, lacking modern scientific support. This study examined the modulation of three mineral medicines-Halloysitum Album (HA), Calcaribus Loess Nodus (CLN), and Smectite (SMT)-on murine gut microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing, to develop TCM formulations targeting specific beneficial bacteria. HA selectively promoted <i>Faecalibacterium rodentium</i>, CLN enhanced the probiotic <i>Lactobacillus reuteri</i>, while SMT specifically stimulated <i>Roseburia</i> proliferation. Mechanistic studies revealed that SMT modulated microbiota via biofilm formation. These findings suggest that formulating TCM compounds targeting beneficial intestinal bacteria could provide new theoretical support for TCM compatibility principles.