Effects of Two Kinds of Extracts of Cistanche deserticola on Intestinal Microbiota and Its Metabolism

Cistanche deserticola belongs to the Liedang family. Known as “desert ginseng”, it has high medicinal value and plays important roles in endocrine regulation, neuroprotection, immune regulation, and other processes. Some studies have shown that single substances such as polysaccharides and phenylethanolside can affect intestinal microbiota, but few studies have studied the synergistic effect of various components in Cistanche deserticola extracts on intestinal microbiota. Therefore, in this study, through an in vitro digestion model (Changdao Moni, CDMN) combined with 16S rRNA gene amplification sequencing technology and untargeted metabolomics technology, it was found that the two extracts all had significant effects on the enteric cavity and mucosal flora. Both extracts inhibited Bacteroides in the intestinal cavity and Parabacteroides and Ruminococcus 2 in the intestinal mucosa and promoted Bifidobacterium and Prevotella in the intestinal cavity and Megasphaera in the intestinal mucosa. The aqueous extract also inhibited Phascolarctobacterium. Both extracts also significantly increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate. The intake of extract had significant effects on the metabolic pathways related to amino acids and lipids. Indoles were upregulated by the aqueous extract but downregulated by the alcohol extract. In addition, the extract also had a significant effect on the hemolytic phosphorus esters. In conclusion, the two kinds of extracts have different effects on intestinal microbiota and its metabolism. This study provides guiding significance for the edibility and food development of Cistanche deserticola.