Bamboo shavings derived O-acetylated xylan alleviates loperamide-induced constipation in mice.

BSH-1 is an O-acetylated xylan obtained from bamboo shavings. This study determined the protective effects of BSH-1 against loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation in mice. Mice received BSH-1 by gavage daily for 14 days. In constipated mice, BSH-1 significantly shortened the defecation time and raised the gastrointestinal (GI) transit rate, stool production, and cecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). BSH-1 regulated the serum levels of gut hormones and neurotransmitters. BSH-1 also significantly altered the cecal microbiota of the constipated mice by increasing the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Bacteroidales_S24-7) and decreasing potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Alloprevotella and Staphylococcus). Furthermore, colonic transcriptome analysis revealed that BSH-1 significantly reversed the expression changes of genes related to intestinal motility, water and ion transport, inflammation and cancer in constipated mice. Our findings indicated that BSH-1 effectively relieved Lop-induced constipation in mice and could be potentially used for constipation treatment.