Abstract: Objective To study the effect of Foshao granules on the gut microbiota and lactase activity of mice. Methods Experimental rats were randomly divided into seven groups according to their body weight: the normal control group, model control group, domperidone control group (12 mg·kg^-1), Sini powder control group (3 g·kg^-1), Foshao granules high dosage group (48 g crude drug·kg^-1), medium dosage group (24 g crude drug·kg^-1), and low dosage group (12 g crude drug·kg^-1), with 10 mice in each. A model of flora imbalance mice was induced by a mixture of cefradine capsules and gentamycin sulfate (2 : 1). By measuring the number of total anaerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, Escherichia coli, the extent to which Foshao granules regulated the gut microbiota and lactase activity of mice was evaluated. Results Foshao granules could significantly increase the number of total anaerobic bacteria (P <0.01), Lactobacillus (P <0.01), bifidobacteria (P <0.01) and Escherichia coli(P <0.01), and elevated the colonic mucosal lactase activity. Conclusion Foshao granules can improve flora imbalance and the reduction of lactase activity caused by cefradine and gentamicin sulphate. This study is expected to provide data for clinical applications of Foshao granules.

Key words: Foshao granules, cefradine, gentamicin, flora imbalance, lactase activity, intestinal tract, mice