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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.11.14.688543

Study on Dianthus superbus L. against Acute Liver Injury via the Gut-Liver Axis -- Regulation of Gut Microbiota and Tryptophan Metabolism to Activate AhR Signaling

Jiang, X.·Zhuang, Y.·Meng, T.·Meng, T.-w.·Liu, J. l.·Meng, H.·Chang, H.
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Abstract

BackgroundDianthus superbus L. (DS) treats liver diseases, but its ALI mechanism via gut microbiota/metabolites is unclear. PurposeInvestigate DS effects on CCl-induced ALI and mechanisms. MethodsDS components (HPLC-MS/MS) were identified. ALI rats received DS. Liver/colon injury, fibrosis (biochemistry, histology, IHC, IF, WB for -SMA, Collagen I, Occludin, ZO-1), serum metabolomics, fecal 16S rRNA, and tryptophan-targeted metabolomics were assessed. Antibiotics and FMT from DS-treated donors explored microbiota roles. Results37 components, including Kaempferol and Aurantiamide, were identified. DS attenuated ALI, reducing hepatic -SMA/Collagen I while increasing AhR/Cyp1a1, and upregulating colonic Occludin/ZO-1. FMT replicated DS benefits. Untargeted metabolomics linked effects to Linoleic/Tryptophan metabolism. 16S rRNA showed increased beneficial microbiota (HT002, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia); FMT confirmed Lactobacillus enrichment. DS normalized tryptophan metabolites (4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, L-Kynurenine, Indole-3-carboxaldehyde). ConclusionDS ameliorates ALI gut-microbiota-dependently by modulating tryptophan metabolism, enhancing intestinal barrier function, activating AHR signaling, and suppressing fibrosis biomarkers, indicating its potential as a microbiota modulator for ALI. ImportanceAcute liver injury is a serious health threat with limited treatment options. This study explores how a traditional medicinal herb, Dianthus superbus L. (DS), protects the liver through an unexpected route: the gut. We discovered that DS works by rebalancing the community of gut bacteria, which in turn improves the intestinal barrier and fine-tunes the bodys tryptophan metabolism. This cascade of effects ultimately activates a key cellular pathway (AhR) that reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis. Our findings not only clarify how this traditional remedy works but also highlight the critical role of the gut-liver axis, positioning DS as a promising, microbiota-targeting therapeutic candidate for preventing and treating liver disease.

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Jiang, X., Zhuang, Y., Meng, T., Meng, T.-w., Liu, J. l., Meng, H., Chang, H.. 2025-11-15. Study on Dianthus superbus L. against Acute Liver Injury via the Gut-Liver Axis -- Regulation of Gut Microbiota and Tryptophan Metabolism to Activate AhR Signaling. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.11.14.688543

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