Polygonatum sibiricum combined with Poria cocos prevents spleen deficiency constipation via the gut microbiota–mediated brain–gut axis

IntroductionThe study evaluates the preventive effects of Polygonatum sibiricum and Poria cocos (3:1) on spleen deficiency constipation in mice, focusing on the brain-gut axis, gut microbiota, and oxidative stress. The findings aim to inform the prevention and treatment of this condition.MethodsThirty male specific pathogen-free (SPF) KM mice (4 weeks old, 20 ± 2 g) were randomized into a normal control group (NC), a model group (NM), and a Polygonatum sibiricum and Poria cocos group (HF). Serum