Spirulina Alleviates Functional Constipation by Remodeling Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites: A Metagenomic and Metabolomic Study

ABSTRACT: Abstract Objective: Functional constipation (FC) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that significantly affects quality of life. Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota and their derived metabolites play a critical role in FC, yet the therapeutic potential of Spirulina and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 21 patients with FC before and after Spirulina treatment (42 samples in total) and from healthy controls (HC) recruited during the same period, with 63 participants included overall. Metagenomic sequencing and metabolomic profiling were performed on all fecal samples to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Spirulina and to identify key gut microbiota and microbial-derived metabolites associated with FC. Multi-omics analyses, including integrative metagenomic–metabolomic correlation, were conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of Spirulina on FC. Results: Patients with FC exhibited significantly altered gut microbial composition and reduced microbial diversity compared with HC. Spirulina treatment markedly improved clinical symptoms, accompanied by a notable increase in beneficial taxa such as Bacteroides uniformis and Phocaeicola dorei, and a decrease in potentially pathogenic species including Escherichia coli. Metabolomic profiling revealed that Spirulina treatment reshaped the fecal metabolite landscape, with a significant enrichment of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, and a reduction in pro-inflammatory metabolites. Integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analyses identified Bacteroides uniformis and its derived metabolite butyrate as key mediators associated with symptom improvement. Conclusion:Our findings suggest that Spirulina alleviates functional constipation by remodeling gut microbiota and fecal metabolites. These observations provide a preliminary basis for further investigating Spirulina as a therapeutic strategy for functional constipation.

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

PROVIDER: MTBLS15871 | MetaboLights | 2026-09-30

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights