Penthorum chinense Pursh Ameliorates Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Alcohol-Related Liver Disease through Gut Microbiota Modulation and Metabolic Remodeling

ABSTRACT: Metabolic dysfunction-associated alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis resulting from the coexistence of metabolic dysfunction and alcohol consumption. Penthorum chinense Pursh is a traditional edible medicinal plant rich in polyphenols; however, its role in MetALD remains unclear. In this study, a polyphenol-rich Penthorum chinense extract (PCE) was characterized by UPLC–TOF/MS, with gallic acid and pinocembrin identified as major constituents. The protective effects of PCE were evaluated in a mouse model of MetALD induced by a high-fat diet combined with ethanol exposure. PCE administration markedly alleviated hepatic steatosis and liver injury, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved antioxidant status. Moreover, PCE partially normalized the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and inflammation, including Srebp-1c, Pparα, and Nfkb1. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that PCE partially restored gut microbial dysbiosis, characterized by increased abundances of Dubosiella and Ligilactobacillus. Untargeted metabolomics further demonstrated significant alterations in hepatic metabolic profiles, particularly in pathways related to amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between differential gut microbial taxa and hepatic metabolites. These findings suggest that PCE ameliorates MetALD by improving hepatic metabolic homeostasis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota composition. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the potential application of Penthorum chinense as a functional food resource for the prevention and management of metabolic liver disorders.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - hilic, Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - hilic

PROVIDER: MTBLS14735 | MetaboLights | 2026-06-10

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights