16S rRNA Gene-Based Microbiome Taxonomic Profiling for Evaluating the Effect of Mumefural on Fecal Microbiota in C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

Objectives Based on a report that Prunus mume fruits affect gut function and microflora, we hypothesized that mumefural (MF), one of the active compounds of processed Prunus mume fruits, could affect intestinal function or gut microbiome. Methods we investigated the effects of orally administered MF on intestinal function and the intestinal environment by analyzing the changes in the fecal, intestinal, and gut microbiome of a murine model. Results No changes in the body weight and fecal parameters of C57BL/6 mice were observed following MF administration. However, the quantity of residual feces in the large and small intestines and cecum was considerably reduced. The abundance of specific bacteria, ie, members of the Lactobacillus genus, was markedly increased without any change in the abundance or diversity of the gut microbiota, as determined by 16S rRNA gene-based microbiome taxonomic profiling. Conclusions Overall, our results suggest that oral MF administration could improve the gut microbiota in diseases related to specific bacterial changes because it increases the abundance of certain bacteria known to exhibit probiotic functions without any other obvious effects.