Astragalus compound oral solution synergistically enhances health-promoting effect of metformin in type 2 diabetes mouse model

Abstract

Abstract In some cases Metformin (MF) produces intestinal discomfort and increased risk of dysbiosis. We developed a novel astragalus compound oral solution (termed "OS") and investigated effects of treatments with OS alone or in combination with metformin (MF) in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) mouse model. OS can treat T2D in mice. OS, in comparison with MF (OS + MF), was more effective in improving HDL, ALT, hepatic glycogen, and GSH-px levels, and in protecting several organs simultaneously. Gut microbiota composition and diversity were significantly better for OS and OS + MF than for MF. Helicobacter, Oscillospira, Mucispirillum, Dehalobacterium, Anaerotruncus, Subdoligranulum, Akkermansia, Allobaculum, and Ochrobactrum were significantly correlated with FBG, liver function indicators, and islet cell areas. Our findings suggest that OS applied in combination with MF promoted health in the T2D mouse model through effects on 192 related targets to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, protect organs, and improve gut microbiota composition