Ameliorative Effects of Zingiber officinale Rosc on Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and Improvement in Intestinal Function

Abstract

The global increase in antibiotic consumption is related to increased adverse effects, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). This study investigated the chemical properties of Zingiber officinale Rosc (ZO) extract and its ameliorative effects using a lincomycin-induced AAD mouse model. Intestinal tissues were evaluated for the expression of lysozyme, claudin-1, and alpha-defensin-1, which are associated with intestinal homeostasis. The cecum was analyzed to assess the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The chemical properties analysis of ZO extracts revealed the levels of total neutral sugars, acidic sugars, proteins, and polyphenols to be 86.4%, 8.8%, 4.0%, and 0.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the monosaccharide composition of ZO was determined to include glucose (97.3%) and galactose (2.7%). ZO extract administration ameliorated the impact of AAD and associated weight loss, and water intake also returned to normal. Moreover, treatment with ZO extract restored the expression levels of lysozyme, alpha-defensin-1, and claudin-1 to normal levels. The decreased SCFA levels due to induced AAD showed a return to normal levels. The results indicate that ZO extract improved AAD, strengthened the intestinal barrier, and normalized SCFA levels, showing that ZO extract possesses intestinal-function strengthening effects.