Herbal Formula-3 modulated intestinal microbiota in BALB/c mice

Formula-3, a modified Chinese herbal medicine, has been demonstrated to inhibit food allergy in rats by stabilizing mast cells through modulating calcium mobilization. In this study, we explored whether Formula-3 could modulate the composition of the gut microbiota. 13 mice were randomly allocated to two groups, receiving phosphate buffer saline and Formula-3 for 5 weeks. Sequencing of the V4-V5 regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes from fecal samples revealed a change of microbial community structure. Mice received Formula-3 was characterized by distinct and less diverse gut microbial compositions with lower levels of Prevotella, Blautia, and higher levels of Tannerella and Rikenella. In addition, Formula-3 could alter the metabolic pathways Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and decrease some infectious diseases. Our data provide insight into the integrated responses of the host microbiome to Formula-3, and the methodology presented in this study can be adapted to assess other host-commensal and host-pathogen interactions.