Panax ginseng—Polygonum cuspidatum is beneficial for alleviating atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice by modulating the composition of gut microbiota and related metabolites

Background: (GP) herb pair has traditionally been used for cardiovascular diseases. Some active compounds in GP have shown anti-atherosclerotic effects and the effects of GP still needs more evidence-based supports. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential effects of GP on atherosclerosis and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: mice were randomized to two groups: FMT-Mod and FMT-GPH, given feces from the model or high-dose GP group. Results: . Twenty-two metabolites were differentially abundant among the control, model and GP groups. Nineteen of them were modulated by HFD and reversed by GP, including 1-methylnicotinamide, dopamine and lysoPA (0:0/18:0). Mice given fecal transplants from the high-dose GP group showed less aortic plaques, lower levels of some lipid and inflammatory cytokines, more goblet cells, more expression of ZO-1 and Occludin, and more 1-methylnicotinamide than those given fecal transplants from the model group. Conclusion: mice, potentially by modulating the composition of gut microbiota and related metabolites.