Work

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-16 fermented Astragali Radix (W16) promotes the bone growth of juvenile rats via modulation of IGF-1 and gut microbiota

Year: 2026

Type: article

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.

Source: Frontiers in Microbiology

DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1753788