Efficacy of sclareol based on 16S rDNA sequencing in modulating gut microbiota composition in estradiol-treated mice

Dysmenorrhea, the most prevalent gynecologic complaint among adolescent females, often has unclear underlying causes. However, it is widely recognized that the accumulation of estrogen and prostaglandins mediates inflammatory responses, leading to uterine ischemia and pelvic pain. Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of intestinal flora as a key regulator of circulating estrogens, linking it to estrogen-modulated diseases. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that sclareol effectively alleviates uterine proliferation and mitigates pain. Nonetheless, the relationship between sclareol’s effects and gut microbiota modulation in dysmenorrhea remains unverified. To investigate this, we employed a mouse model induced with high doses of estradiol (1 mg/kg, IP) and administered sclareol (50 mg/kg, gavage) for five days. Fecal samples were subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze gut microbial composition. While no significant changes in alpha or beta diversity were observed, this study provides pioneering insights into sclareol’s impact on specific gut microbiota. Notably, sclareol treatment increased the abundances of Ruminococcus_1, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_013, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, and Streptococcus while reducing the abundances of Anaerotruncus and Lactobacillus at the genus level. These effects may be associated with alterations in short-chain fatty acids, β-glucuronidase activity, and overall intestinal health. In conclusion, this study identifies sclareol as a potential functional food candidate for the prevention and management of estrogen-modulated diseases through gut microbiota modulation. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic applications.