Work

Gut Microbiota Profiles in Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Their Relationship to Clinical Efficacy of Hangeshashinto: The GMIBS-HA Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to identify specific microbiota associated with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and to evaluate clinical improvement in IBS-D according to changes in gut microbiota abundance following treatment with Hangeshashinto (HST), an anti-inflammatory Kampo medicine. Methods: This post-hoc retrospective analysis included 20 IBS-D patients from a previous study in whom gut microbiota had been analyzed. Patients were enrolled at two affiliated institutions between March and December 2023 and received HST 7.5 g/day for 2-3 weeks. Gut microbiota of IBS-D patients were compared with those of 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Differences in microbiota before and after HST administration between effective and non-effective cases were also analyzed. Results: (p=0.012, q=0.168) in non-effective cases compared with effective cases. Conclusions: Characteristic microbiota profiles of IBS-D were identified. Significant differences in bacterial abundance before HST administration were observed between effective and non-effective cases.

Source: Journal of the Anus Rectum and Colon

DOI: 10.23922/jarc.2026-037