Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharide on the composition of intestinal microbiota in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis

This animal study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharide (MOLP) on intestinal microbiota composition in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis. The researchers used a controlled experimental design where mice were treated with DSS to induce colitis, then administered MOLP to evaluate its therapeutic potential. The study employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze changes in gut microbiota composition and diversity. Results demonstrated that MOLP treatment significantly modulated the intestinal microbiota, restoring microbial balance disrupted by DSS-induced inflammation. Specifically, MOLP increased beneficial bacterial populations while reducing harmful species associated with inflammatory bowel conditions. The treatment showed protective effects against colitis-induced dysbiosis, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for inflammatory bowel diseases. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed that MOLP helped restore microbial diversity closer to healthy control levels. The study identified specific bacterial taxa that were positively or negatively influenced by MOLP treatment, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects on gut health.