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Unlock the amazing secrets of plant extracts and their impact on gut microbiota in managing obesity. Discover natural ways to improve your health
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Obesity, a major health threat, is linked to gut microbiota disorders.
Studies reveal plant extracts, like mulberry leaf, policosanol, and green tea, can combat obesity by improving gut microbiota.
This article explores how these extracts, including honokiol and capsaicin, could be the breakthrough in preventing and treating obesity and its associated metabolic woes, with gut microbiota playing a crucial role.
Obesity is a global health crisis affecting people worldwide, and it’s marked by a series of metabolic disorders, especially lipid dysmetabolism and its complications, such as diabetes 1 2.
Lipid metabolism, which involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids like triglycerides and cholesterol, is crucial to preventing obesity when properly regulated 3.
Several factors influence obesity, including genetics, dietary habits, underlying diseases, and physical activity levels 4.
Recent studies have pointed out a significant link between obesity and gut microbiota, demonstrating that alterations in gut microbiota can lead to obesity and its associated metabolic diseases 5.
Gut microbiota dysregulation can increase intestinal permeability and elevate harmful microbial metabolites production, thereby aggravating lipid dysmetabolism, obesity, and related diseases, such as diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 67.
This makes gut microbiota a potential therapeutic target for obesity management.
Over the years, evidence has shown that diets and nutrients play a role in regulating gut microbiota composition and obesity 8
This review aims to shed light on the anti-obesity activity of plant extracts and their potential mechanisms related to gut microbiota.
Mulberry leaf extracts, a traditional Chinese medicine, are rich in flavonoids that have been proven to possess multiple health benefits, including antioxidant, muscle function improvement, cardioprotective, and anti-cancer properties 9.
Interestingly, these extracts also display significant anti-obesity effects.
Research conducted on hyperlipidemic mice showed that mulberry leaf extract treatment reduced levels of serum total triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol10.
Similar positive effects on blood lipid metabolism were observed in high-fat diet-fed mice, with mulberry leaf extract administration resulting in weight loss, reduced adipose tissue mass, and improved brown adipose tissue function 11.
Moreover, the extracts also demonstrated the ability to decrease lipid peroxidation and accumulation in the liver of rats 12.
The combination of mulberry leaf extracts with mulberry fruit extract was found to have an additive effect in reducing body weight gain, fasting plasma glucose, and insulin levels, while also mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet 13.
Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that mulberry leaf extract treatment could prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells 14.
Importantly, the beneficial effects of mulberry leaf extracts might be linked to gut microbiota, as flavonoids are metabolized by gut bacteria and absorbed in the intestine 15.
FML-treated obese mice exhibited a healthier balance of gut microbiota, with an increase in Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Firmicutes 1617
This shift led to higher levels of acetic acid production, promoting lipolysis and inhibiting lipid accumulation via activation of G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43), a short-chain fatty acid receptor 18
Policosanol, derived from plant waxes, has emerged as a multifaceted solution, demonstrating remarkable bioactivities such as anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-parkinsonian properties 19.
Significantly, its role in combating lipid dysmetabolism and obesity is noteworthy20.
Studies on human subjects and rats have showcased policosanol’s efficacy in reversing adverse lipid profiles and reducing obesity indicators,
such as serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and glucose levels 21.
Furthermore, in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, policosanol treatment was found to enhance brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity and improve glucose homeostasis, alongside reducing hepatic lipid content 22.
Additionally, policosanol plays a pivotal role in cholesterol metabolism regulation.
It significantly decreases serum total cholesterol levels and increases acidic sterols excretion in hamsters, suggesting a cholesterol-lowering effect by restraining bile acids absorption 23.
This hypocholesterolemic effect can be attributed to its capacity to down-regulate 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, a crucial enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, further validated by an in vitro study 24.
The connection between cholesterol metabolism and gut microbiota is complex.
Primary bile acids, synthesized and secreted by hepatocytes, are transformed into secondary bile acids by gut microbiota.
Any imbalance in gut microbiota can disrupt this process, affecting cholesterol metabolism.
This hints at the possible role of policosanol in regulating cholesterol metabolism partially through gut microbiota modulation 25.
Therefore, policosanol could be a promising alternative to traditional cholesterol-lowering agents like statins, although more research is required to fully understand its mechanisms of action.
Cortex Moutan (CM), derived from the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, is a prized traditional Chinese herbal medicine renowned for its vast pharmacological properties.
With its bioactive component paeonol at the forefront, CM plays a pivotal role in addressing cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and neurological disorders2627.
Recently, the spotlight has been on CM’s and paeonol’s ability to regulate preadipocyte differentiation, maintain glucose homeostasis, and mitigate obesity-related challenges such as lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses.
Clinical studies reveal that paeonol administration results in significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, serum triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels in diabetic mice and myocardial ischemia rabbits, largely due to the activation of serine/threonine kinase B (Akt) 28.
Furthermore, paeonol’s anti-inflammatory and lipid peroxidation mitigating properties have been evidenced in atherosclerotic rabbits, contributing to its anti-atherosclerosis effects 29.
Paeonol’s interaction with gut microbiota is a noteworthy aspect of its modus operandi.
CM exhibits antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria, highlighting its potential to modulate gut microbiota 30.
A study further substantiated this by demonstrating that CM administration significantly altered gut microbiota composition in HFD-induced obese mice,
with a subsequent improvement in blood metabolite levels and down-regulation of sterol-regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in the liver 31.
Moreover, paeonol was found to reduce intestinal fungal abundance, particularly Candida albicans,
and inhibit the mycobiota-mediated dectin-1/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway, ameliorating alcohol liver disease in mice 32.
The interconnectedness of CM, gut microbiota, and anti-obesity effects propels it as a potential pharmaceutical agent in the fight against obesity.
Green tea, derived from the unfermented dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, has captivated the world with its wealth of health benefits.
Rich in flavan-3-ols or catechins, these powerful antioxidants mitigate oxidative stress.
The standout among them, (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), positions green tea as a strong contender in anti-obesity and anti-diabetic realms 33.
Green tea extract (GTE) has showcased its prowess in vitro, significantly reducing lipid accumulation by hindering preadipocyte differentiation and promoting white adipocyte browning 34.
EGCG further enhances glucose homeostasis by rectifying redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in 3T3-L1 adipocytes35.
These findings are echoed in human and animal studies, where GTE supplementation led to reduced body weight, adipose tissue mass, and serum LDL-C levels36 37.
Moreover, GTE combats inflammation, boosts energy expenditure, and alleviates insulin resistance38.
GTE’s anti-obesity properties are partially attributed to its positive influence on gut microbiota, increasing Bacteroides abundance and consequently improving obesity-related symptoms 39.
Hypothesized mechanisms include enhanced short-chain fatty acid production, inhibited endotoxin formation, and improved intestinal redox state 40.
While largely beneficial, excessive tea polyphenol intake has shown adverse effects on intestinal health in obese mice 41.
Future research should delve deeper into GTE’s interaction with specific gut microbiota to fully unravel its slimming secrets.
Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic compound derived from various plants like grapes, peanuts, and mulberries, has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s diseases 42.
Particularly noteworthy is its significant role in combating obesity, as evidenced by enhanced energy expenditure, BAT activity, WAT browning, and improved glucose homeostasis.
Studies on animals fed obesogenic diets revealed that RES supplementation increases thermogenesis in skeletal muscle and BAT
by upregulating uncoupling protein (UCP) expression, thereby improving energy dissipation and reducing obesity 43.
Similarly, RES enhanced BAT activity, WAT browning, and glucose homeostasis in db/db mice 44.
In high-fat diet-fed mice, RES administration resulted in improved hepatic lipid metabolism and decreased liver steatosis, thus alleviating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 45.
Moreover, it reduced intestinal fatty acid and monoglyceride accumulation, offering cardiovascular benefits 46.
In vitro studies further confirmed the positive effects of RES on brown adipocyte formation, thermogenic function, and oxygen consumption through the activation of AMPKα1 47.
Additionally, RES decreased triglyceride accumulation in mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and enhanced epinephrine-induced lipolysis in rat and human adipocytes 48.
Interestingly, the anti-obesity effects of RES are partially mediated by its interaction with gut microbiota.
Following ingestion, RES accumulates in the intestinal tract, where it is metabolized by gut microbiota into bioactive small molecules 49 50.
This interaction not only improves the gut microbiota composition but also alleviates obesity through the fasting-induced adipose factor (Fiaf) and sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) signaling pathways 51.
Furthermore, RES lowers levels of the gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide and enhances bile acid neosynthesis, adding another dimension to its anti-obesity mechanisms52.
In summary, the synergistic relationship between RES and gut microbiota offers a promising avenue for obesity prevention and treatment 53.
Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), derived from grape seeds, is rich in polyphenolic compounds and is known for its potent antioxidant functions.
But that’s not all! GSPE has also shown promise in mitigating obesity and treating various health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and muscle fatigue 5455.
Rodent studies have highlighted GSPE’s potential to regulate lipid metabolism and reduce obesity.
Daily administration of GSPE resulted in significant reductions in serum triglyceride levels and visceral white adipose tissue mass, while also improving mitochondrial function and increasing energy expenditure 56.
Similar outcomes were observed in ovariectomized mice and weaned pigs, further establishing GSPE’s anti-obesity effects 57.
Moreover, GSPE has been found to suppress preadipocyte differentiation and promote lipolysis, thereby preventing fat accumulation 58.
Additionally, it can reduce low-grade inflammation by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory adiponectin 59.
A unique aspect of GSPE’s mechanism lies in its interaction with gut microbiota.
GSPE can restore gut microbiota balance and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides60.
Intriguingly, GSPE’s positive effects on obesity are abolished when gut microbiota is disrupted by antibiotics, emphasizing the crucial role of gut health in obesity management61.
Lastly, GSPE enhances the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially propionate, which in turn stimulate the secretion of appetite-regulating peptides,
ultimately leading to reduced energy intake and fat accumulation 62.
Propionate also contributes to restoring gut microbiota balance, further supporting GSPE’s anti-obesity effects 63.
Honokiol (HON) is a natural compound derived from Magnolia officinalis, known for its therapeutic potential in treating various chronic diseases including Parkinson’s, inflammation, cancer, and fatigue, due to its bioactive properties 6465.
Significantly, recent research has highlighted HON’s role in addressing obesity by modulating adipogenesis and lipolysis.
Studies have demonstrated that administering HON to obese mice resulted in a significant reduction in body weight and adipose tissue mass, with doses ranging from 200 to 800 mg/kg body weight over eight weeks66.
Moreover, HON improved insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice by targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)67.
Combined administration of HON and magnolol further reduced white adipose tissue (WAT) weight and adipocyte size in mice fed a high-fat diet 68.
In vitro studies using 3T3-L1 adipocytes showcased HON’s positive effects on lipid metabolism, including reducing cell viability,
inducing apoptosis, promoting white adipocyte browning, improving insulin resistance, and inhibiting brown adipocyte apoptosis69.
It is important to note that HON’s bioavailability is low, with less than 10% absorbed into the circulatory system.
The remaining is metabolized by gut microbiota to generate bioactive molecules and reshape the gut microbiota structure, indicating the crucial role of gut microbiota in HON’s lipid metabolic benefits 70.
Interestingly, studies on obese mice revealed gender-specific effects of HON, with male mice exhibiting significant anti-obesity effects regulated by gut microbiota and metabolites, such as increased Bacteroides abundance and reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels.
In contrast, the same effects were not observed in female mice.
While HON proves to be a promising natural remedy for obesity, the detailed mechanisms behind its action are yet to be fully uncovered.
Derived from red chili peppers, Capsaicin (CAP) is not just the ingredient that adds heat to your food; it’s also been used to treat various health conditions, thanks to its powerful bioactive effects,
such as anti-cancer, pain relief, neuro-modulation, anti-fatigue, and anti-inflammation properties71 72.
In recent years, evidence has emerged highlighting CAP’s beneficial impact on obesity, including its ability to decrease fat accumulation, convert white adipose tissue (WAT) to brown, and reduce inflammation responses.
Studies on rats fed with obesogenic diets show that CAP supplementation can boost thermogenesis in skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue (BAT), upregulate uncoupling protein (UCP) expression, improve overall energy dissipation, and ultimately combat obesity.
Similar positive effects were observed in various other animal models, with CAP supplementation enhancing BAT activity, WAT browning, and glucose homeostasis,
while also improving liver lipid metabolism and reducing liver steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) 73.
What makes CAP even more interesting is its potential interaction with gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in obesity.
Although its bioavailability is low, CAP mainly accumulates in the intestinal tract after intake, where it’s metabolized into bioactive small molecules by the gut microbiota.
This interaction can greatly facilitate CAP’s regulation of lipid metabolism and its overall anti-obesity effects.
In conclusion, CAP holds promise as a natural and effective solution for tackling obesity, with the added benefit of potentially improving gut health 74.
Konjac flour (KF) from the konjac tuber has been a dietary staple and medicinal component in Asia for centuries.
It contains konjac glucomannan (KGM), a hydrophilic dietary fiber with numerous health benefits, making it popular in food and pharmaceutical industries75.
KGM is proven to be effective in managing diseases like constipation, wound healing, and colitis 7677.
It has also demonstrated potential in addressing lipid dysmetabolism and displaying hypoglycemic effects.
In fact, daily supplementation of KGM in type 2 diabetic patients reduced cholesterol, LDL-C, and fasting glucose levels significantly 78.
Combining KGM with exercise resulted in improved blood lipid levels and body composition in overweight humans 79.
These results are backed by similar findings in rodent models80.
Furthermore, KGM administration in nutritional obese mice and type 2 diabetic rats improved lipid metabolism, decreased body weight,
and alleviated hyperglycemia and inflammatory responses, showcasing its holistic approach to health 81 82.
The magic of KGM extends to its interaction with gut microbiota.
KF’s high molecular weight, viscosity, and swelling capacity in the intestine can optimize bowel movement and modulate gut microbiota 83 84.
Research has shown that dietary KF supplementation can improve gut microbiota diversity and composition, ultimately leading to a healthier weight 85.
Moreover, KGM treatment reduced the abundance of BCAA-producing bacteria, improving host lipid metabolism and reducing the risk of diabetes 86.
Chlorophyll, the vibrant green pigment found in plants, is not just essential for photosynthesis,
but it’s also a powerful agent in preventing chronic diseases, boasting anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties87 88.
Recent research has highlighted its significance in counteracting obesity.
Studies in humans and rodents have demonstrated the positive effects of chlorophyll on weight management.
Overweight participants who consumed 5g of green plant membranes rich in chlorophyll for three months experienced notable decreases in body weight and serum cholesterol levels 89.
Similarly, obese mice fed with chlorophyll-rich spinach extract showed reduced body weight gain and inflammation, alongside improved glucose tolerance 90 91.
In vitro studies using 3T3-L1 cell models revealed chlorophyll’s capacity to regulate lipid metabolism.
It effectively inhibited adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, curbed adipogenesis and lipid accumulation, and stimulated browning of adipose tissue 92.
Chlorophyll’s impact extends to modulating gut microbiota composition and diversity 93.
In human subjects, chlorophyll-rich thylakoid treatment over 12 weeks increased the abundance of total bacteria, particularly the Bacteroides fragilis group 94.
In mice, chlorophyll intake enhanced the presence of beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones.
With its versatile benefits, chlorophyll emerges as a promising natural solution in the fight against obesity.
Further research is necessary to fully understand the intricate relationship between chlorophyll, gut microbiota, and lipid metabolism.
Various plant extracts have been shown to play a role in mitigating obesity by reprogramming gut microbiota.
Luffa cylindrica [2 g kg−1 body weight, for 14 weeks] helped reduce adiposity and metabolic complications in obese mice, increasing beneficial SCFAs-producing bacteria and SCFA content95.
Coreopsis tinctoria improved blood lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic models by normalizing gut microbiota disorders 96.
Garcinol supplementation [0.1% or 0.5%] restored gut balance in obese mice, improving plasma lipid profiles and reducing adipose tissue weight and body weight gain 97.
Cranberry extract [200 mg kg−1, for 8 weeks] enhanced insulin resistance and reduced obesity in mice by increasing beneficial Akkermansia bacteria 98.
Lastly, Nitzschia laevis extract supplementation [10 and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively] inhibited lipid accumulation and weight gain in obese mice, altering gut microbial richness and diversity 99.
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