Abstract
This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of Fufang Huangqi Jianpi Oral Liquid (FFHQ) on spleen deficiency diarrhea (SDD) in a rat model and investigated its underlying mechanisms. SDD was induced by a high-lactose diet combined with the small-platform water environment standing method. The efficacy of FFHQ was assessed through measurements of body weight, food intake, grip strength, fecal water content, histopathology, and gastrointestinal hormone levels. Integrated pharmacological approaches-including network pharmacology, molecular docking, Western blotting, 16S rRNA sequencing, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profiling-were employed to elucidate the mechanisms of action. FFHQ treatment significantly alleviated SDD symptoms, restored intestinal barrier integrity, modulated gut microbiota composition, and promoted SCFAs production. Mechanistically, FFHQ exerted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by modulating the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting apoptosis. These findings offer new insights into the pharmacological effects of FFHQ and support its potential as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for managing pediatric SDD. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04546-5.