Saponins from Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng improve intestinal barrier function and probiotic adhesion in human intestinal Caco-2 cells
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31989/bchd.v9i1.1846چکیده
Background: Intestinal barrier function is critically important for human health. Despite the promising biological properties of herbal extracts, limited research has addressed the effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng saponin (APS) extracts on intestinal barrier function and probiotic adhesion, particularly under conditions of inflammatory stress. In the present study, we investigated the effects of APS on Caco-2 cell monolayers challenged with LPS as an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng saponin (APS) extracts in preserving the intestinal epithelial barrier in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human Caco-2 cell monolayer model.
Methods: Caco-2 monolayers were exposed to LPS to induce barrier dysfunction. Subsequently, the monolayers were treated with APS. Barrier function was evaluated by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), FITC-dextran flux permeability, tight junction protein (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1) expression, and cellular ATP levels. In addition, the growth and adhesion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus to Caco-2 cell monolayers were assessed.
Results: APS treatment significantly increased TEER values, decreased FITC-dextran permeability, restored the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1), and recovered intracellular ATP levels compared to the LPS group. Furthermore, APS significantly enhanced the growth and adhesion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus to Caco-2 cell monolayers, even under inflammatory conditions.
Novelty: This study identifies a previously uncharacterized synergistic role of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng saponins in coordinating intestinal barrier protection and probiotic adhesion under inflammatory stress. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into the integrated actions of combined botanical saponins in maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that APS exerts protective effects on intestinal barrier function and promotes probiotic adherence against LPS-induced intestinal injury in human epithelial cells. APS may be considered a valuable nutritional and therapeutic supplement for maintaining gastrointestinal health.
Keywords: Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng extracts; Inflammatory bowel disease; Intestinal probiotics; Tight junction proteins.
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حق نشر 2026 Su-Fen Huang, Han-Wen Yang, Ching-Hui Ou, I-Chu Tang, Wen-Liang Chang, Tsu-Chung Chang
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