Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Short stature in children causes physical and psychological issues. Human growth hormone (hGH) is clinically recommended but has side effects. Probiotics and functional foods are promising alternatives. Astragali Radix, has growth-promoting potential, and fermentation may enhance its bioactivity. METHODS: Astragali Radix, was fermented with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-16 to prepare postbiotic W16. Juvenile rats were treated with W16, hGH, or unfermented Astragali Radix. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS metabolomic profiling, bone growth-related gene (igf-1, trap) expression, IGF-1 levels, glucose/insulin concentrations, and gut microbiota were analyzed. RESULTS: W16 enhanced rat body/bone length similarly to hGH, upregulated igf-1/trap, and increased plasma/liver IGF-1-more effectively than unfermented Astragali Radix. Unlike hGH, W16 did not induce insulin resistance. While hGH and Astragali Radix enriched Lactobacillus, W16 uniquely promoted Acetivibrio cellulolyticus (beneficial for bone mineral density). Metabolomic profiling revealed pre- and post-fermentation differences in Astragali Radix. DISCUSSION: Postbiotic W16 promotes bone growth via regulating growth-related genes, IGF-1 signaling, and gut microbiota. Safer than hGH (no insulin resistance), W16 is a promising functional food candidate for improving short stature in children.