Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides modulate gut microbiota and improve metabolic disorders in mice with diet-induced obesity

The intervention effects of Pleurotus citrinopileatus polysaccharides with different molecular weights on high-fat diet mice

Polysaccharides from valuable mushroom Pleurotus citrinopileatus (PCP) have been considered to have health promoting effects. In this study, two main polysaccharides components with different molecular weights were isolated (PCP40 with 1000 kDa and PCP80 with 10 kDa, PCPs) and their anti-obesity effects were evaluated and compared. Results showed that PCPs could correct the abnormity of lipid and sugar metabolism, indicating by the decreased level of body weight, white fat weight, adipocyte size, serum lipid as well as the recovery of leptin resistance and insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD) mice. PCP40 exerted more remarkable lipid lowering effects than PCP80, which might due to its higher fat binding and pancreatic lipase inhibition capacity that inhibit lipid absorption, and the more active lipolysis activity. On the other hand, PCPs improved intestinal microecology and alleviate chronic inflammation in HFD mice. PCPs could promote SCFAs production and recover gut hypoxic condition through repairing the function of mitochondria. This changed condition also led to the increase of bacterial variety and distinct bacteria enrichment, such as Paracteroides goldsteinii (PCP40) and Lactobacillus (PCP80). These findings suggested PCPs, especially the high molecular component PCP40, had a promising anti-obesity effect.

Transdermal administration of herbal essential oil alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity by regulating metabolism and gut microbiota

Introduction

Obesity, a global health challenge, is characterized by excessive fat accumulation and associated metabolic disorders. The ZhiZhu decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal formula consisting of Citrus aurantium L. (ZS, ZhiShi in Chinese) and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (BZ, Baizhu in Chinese), is widely recognized in clinics for its gastrointestinal regulatory effects.

Methods

The chemical composition of ZS-BZ essential oil (ZBEO) was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Concurrently, we conducted in vitro investigations using HepG2 hepatoma cells to evaluate its anti-lipid deposition potential. To further elucidate the anti-obesity mechanisms, an in vivo model was established through high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats, followed by transdermal ZBEO administration. Systemic analyses were performed integrating serum metabolomic profiling via UPLC-QTOF-MS and gut microbiota dynamics assessment through 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

ZBEO, rich in atractylon, D-limonene, and γ-elemene and shown to reduce lipid accumulation. Transdermal ZBEO administration in obese rats led to significant weight loss and improved serum metabolic indexes related to the POMC/CART signaling pathway. Additionally, ZBEO altered gut microbiota, enhancing beneficial bacteria and affecting metabolic pathways linked to obesity.

Discussion

We discovered that ZBEO exerts a significant influence on obesity by modulating key biological processes, including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the composition of gut microbiota.

Isolation, structures, bioactivities, and applications of the polysaccharides from Boletus spp.: A review

Boletus spp., the edible mushrooms distributed in Europe, Asia, and North America, have been widely used as food and medicinal ingredients worldwide. Bioactive polysaccharides are highly abundant in Boletus spp., as demonstrated by modern phytochemical studies. The isolation, chemical properties, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Boletus spp. have long been attracted by academics worldwide. However, there is still a lack of systematic tracking of research progress on Boletus polysaccharides (BPs), which is essential for researchers to understand their potential and gain a deeper insight into their functional mechanisms. In this review, we summarized the recent development of BPs, including the extraction and purification methods, physiochemical and structural features, bioactivities and functional mechanisms, the structure-activity relationship, and the potential applications. This review aims to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the current progress and potential of BPs to assist their further investigations.

Polysaccharides targeting autophagy to alleviate metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent non-communicable disease characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Epidemiological statistics indicate that one-third of the world's population is affected by metabolic syndrome. Unfortunately, owing to complicated pathogenesis and limited pharmacological options, the growing prevalence of metabolic syndrome threatens human health worldwide. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation mechanism that involves the degradation of unfolded or aggregated proteins and damaged cellular organelles, thereby maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that dysfunctional autophagy is closely associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Furthermore, a growing number of plant-derived polysaccharides have been shown to regulate autophagy, thereby alleviating metabolic syndrome, such as Astragalus polysaccharides, Laminaria japonica polysaccharides, Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the discovery of autophagy modulators of plant polysaccharides for the treatment of metabolic syndrome, with the aim of providing precursor compounds for the development of new therapeutic agents. Additionally, we look forward to seeing more diseases being treated with plant polysaccharides by regulating autophagy, as well as the discovery of more intricate mechanisms that govern autophagy.

The potential influence and intervention measures of gut microbiota on sperm: it is time to focus on testis-gut microbiota axis

As the global male infertility rate continues to rise, there is an urgent imperative to investigate the underlying causes of sustained deterioration in sperm quality. The gut microbiota emerges as a pivotal factor in host health regulation, with mounting evidence highlighting its dual influence on semen. This review underscores the interplay between the Testis-Gut microbiota axis and its consequential effects on sperm. Potential mechanisms driving the dual impact of gut microbiota on sperm encompass immune modulation, inflammatory responses mediated by endotoxins, oxidative stress, antioxidant defenses, gut microbiota-derived metabolites, epigenetic modifications, regulatory sex hormone signaling. Interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and Traditional natural herbal extracts are hypothesized to rectify dysbiosis, offering avenues to modulate gut microbiota and enhance Spermatogenesis and motility. Future investigations should delve into elucidating the mechanisms and foundational principles governing the interaction between gut microbiota and sperm within the Testis-Gut microbiota Axis. Understanding and modulating the Testis-Gut microbiota Axis may yield novel therapeutic strategies to enhance male fertility and combat the global decline in sperm quality.

Elucidation of the beneficial role of co-fermented whole grain quinoa and black barley with Lactobacillus on rats fed a western-style diet via a multi-omics approach

Long-term consumption of Western-style diet (WSD) can lead to metabolic disorders and dysbiosis of gut microbiota, presenting a critical risk factor for various chronic conditions such as fatty liver disease. In the present study, we investigated the beneficial role of co-fermented whole grain quinoa and black barley with Lactobacillus kisonensis on rats fed a WSD. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, aged six weeks and weighing 180 ± 10 g, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the normal control group (NC, n = 7), the WSD group (HF, n = 7), and the WSD supplemented with a co-fermented whole grain quinoa with black barley (FQB) intervention group (HFF, n = 7). The findings indicated that FQB was effective in suppressing body weight gain, mitigating hepatic steatosis, reducing perirenal fat accumulation, and ameliorating pathological damage in the livers and testicular tissues of rats. Additionally, FQB intervention led to decreased levels of serum uric acid (UA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). These advantageous effects can be ascribed to the regulation of FQB on gut microbiota dysbiosis, which includes the restoration of intestinal flora diversity, reduction of the F/B ratio, and promotion of probiotics abundance, such as Akkermansia and [Ruminococcus] at the genus level. The study employed the UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE technique to analyze metabolites in fecal and hepatic samples. The findings revealed that FQB intervention led to a regression in the levels of specific metabolites in feces, including oxoadipic acid and 20a, 22b-dihydroxycholesterol, as well as in the liver, such as pyridoxamine, xanthine and xanthosine. The transcriptome sequencing of liver tissues revealed that FQB intervention modulated the mRNA expression of specific genes, including Cxcl12, Cidea, and Gck, known for their roles in anti-inflammatory and anti-insulin resistance mechanisms in the context of WSD. Our findings indicate that co-fermented whole-grain quinoa with black barley has the potential to alleviate metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation resulting from the consumption of WSD.

The Effects of Crataegus pinnatifida and Wolfiporia extensa Combination on Diet-Induced Obesity and Gut Microbiota

Obesity is a multifactorial chronic metabolic disease with multiple complications. Crataegus pinnatifida (CP) and Wolfiporia extensa (WE) are traditional functional foods with improving metabolic health properties. This study demonstrated the effect of CP and WE combination on ameliorating obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Moreover, the CP-WE food pair ameliorated HFD-induced metabolic disorders, including glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and analysis revealed that CP combined with WE reshaped the composition of gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed a substantial association between the obesity-related parameters and the shifts in predominant bacterial genera influenced by the food pair intervention. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the CP-WE food pair ameliorated HFD-induced obesity and reshaped gut microbiota composition, providing a promising approach to combat obesity through specific food combinations.

Development of a polyphenol-enriched whole kiwifruit dietary supplement and its potential in ameliorating hyperlipidemia

BACKGROUND

Kiwifruit pomace, which contains abundant phenolic compounds, is typically discarded during the juicing process, leading to wastage of valuable resources. To address this issue, various indicators (including total acidity, sugar/acid ratio, vitamin C, total polyphenols, polyphenol monomers, and soluble solids content) of 15 kiwifruit cultivars were evaluated and juiced. Then, a polyphenol-concentrated solution from kiwifruit pomace was backfilled into kiwi juice to prepare whole nutritious compound kiwi juice, and its anti-hyperlipidemic activity on obese model mice was then investigated.

RESULTS

Through grey relational analysis and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), Kuimi and Huayou were identified as the predominant varieties for juicing, with weighted relevance scores of 0.695 and 0.871 respectively and TOPSIS scores of 0.6509 and 0.8220 respectively. The polyphenol content of Cuixiang pomace was 43.97 mg g-1 , making it the most suitable choice for polyphenol extraction. By backfilling a polyphenol-concentrated solution derived from Cuixiang pomace into compound kiwi juice of Huayou and Kuimi, the whole nutritious compound kiwi juice with polyphenols was produced and exhibited superior bioactivities, including enhanced hepatic oxidative stress defense, and alleviated serum lipid abnormalities. Furthermore, whole nutritious compound kiwi juice with polyphenols ameliorated host intestinal microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota.

CONCLUSION

A hypolipidemic dietary supplement based on kiwifruit pomace polyphenols has been successfully developed, providing an effective solution for hyperlipidemia intervention. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ginsenoside Rb1, Compound K and 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol Attenuate High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats via Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated serum lipid concentrations resulting from lipid metabolism dysfunction, represents a prevalent global health concern. Ginsenoside Rb1, compound K (CK), and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), bioactive constituents derived from Panax ginseng, have shown promise in mitigating lipid metabolism disorders. However, the comparative efficacy and underlying mechanisms of these compounds in hyperlipidemia prevention remain inadequately explored. This study investigates the impact of ginsenoside Rb1, CK, and PPD supplementation on hyperlipidemia in rats induced by a high-fat diet. Our findings demonstrate that ginsenoside Rb1 significantly decreased body weight and body weight gain, ameliorated hepatic steatosis, and improved dyslipidemia in HFD-fed rats, outperforming CK and PPD. Moreover, ginsenoside Rb1, CK, and PPD distinctly modified gut microbiota composition and function. Ginsenoside Rb1 increased the relative abundance of Blautia and Eubacterium, while PPD elevated Akkermansia levels. Both CK and PPD increased Prevotella and Bacteroides, whereas Clostridium-sensu-stricto and Lactobacillus were reduced following treatment with all three compounds. Notably, only ginsenoside Rb1 enhanced lipid metabolism by modulating the PPARγ/ACC/FAS signaling pathway and promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. Additionally, all three ginsenosides markedly improved bile acid enterohepatic circulation via the FXR/CYP7A1 pathway, reducing hepatic and serum total bile acids and modulating bile acid pool composition by decreasing primary/unconjugated bile acids (CA, CDCA, and β-MCA) and increasing conjugated bile acids (TCDCA, GCDCA, GDCA, and TUDCA), correlated with gut microbiota changes. In conclusion, our results suggest that ginsenoside Rb1, CK, and PPD supplementation offer promising prebiotic interventions for managing HFD-induced hyperlipidemia in rats, with ginsenoside Rb1 demonstrating superior efficacy.

The molecular mechanism of polysaccharides in combating major depressive disorder: A comprehensive review

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex psychiatric condition with diverse etiological factors. Typical pathological features include decreased cerebral cortex, subcortical structures, and grey matter volumes, as well as monoamine transmitter dysregulation. Although medications exist to treat MDD, unmet needs persist due to limited efficacy, induced side effects, and relapse upon drug withdrawal. Polysaccharides offer promising new therapies for MDD, demonstrating antidepressant effects with minimal side effects and multiple targets. These include neurotransmitter, neurotrophin, neuroinflammation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and intestinal flora regulation. This review explores the latest advancements in understanding the pharmacological actions and mechanisms of polysaccharides in treating major depression. We discuss the impact of polysaccharides' diverse structures and properties on their pharmacological actions, aiming to inspire new research directions and facilitate the discovery of novel anti-depressive drugs.

Influence of Cordyceps militaris-fermented grain substrate extracts on alleviating food allergy in mice

Background

Cordyceps militaris is recognized as a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, and there have been documented findings on the anti-allergic properties of its extract derived from the fruiting body. Due to the limited availability of wild C. militaris, a specialized grain substrate has been devised for the solid-state fermentation of its fruiting bodies. However, the fermented grain substrate is considered waste and usually used as feeds for animals. To achieve the sustainable development goals, C. militaris-fermented grain substrate (CFGS) was collected to prepare CFGS extracts. Further, the anti-allergic properties of these extracts were assessed with the aim of exploring novel applications.

Methods

The water extract and ethanol extract of CFGS were prepared, and their potential in alleviating allergic enteritis was assessed in mice with food allergy. Assessment of immunomodulatory effects included the measurement of serum antibodies and splenic cytokines. Additionally, influence of extracts on gut microbiota composition was examined through sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene from freshly collected feces of the mice.

Results

Daily administration of the water and ethanol extracts, at doses of 50 or 250 mg/kg body weight, demonstrated a notable alleviation of allergic diarrhea and enteritis. This was accompanied by a decrease in mast cell infiltration in the duodenum and a reduction in allergen-specific IgE production in the serum. Both extracts led to a significant decrease in IL-4 secretion. Conversely, there was an increase in IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β secretion from splenocytes. Remarkably, allergic mice exhibited a distinct fecal microbiota profile compared to that of normal mice. Intriguingly, the administration of these extracts had varying effects on the fecal microbiota.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings collectively indicate the potential of CFGS extracts as promising candidates for functional foods. These extracts show promise in managing allergic enteritis and modulating gut microbiota.

Preparation and evaluation of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide- and sesame oil-loaded nanoemulsion for the treatment of candidal vaginitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen, affecting over 75% of women who have experienced candidal vaginitis. Given the identification of drug-resistant C. albicans strains, there is an urgent need to develop therapeutic methods for treating vaginal Candida infection. Polysaccharide is the major bioactive component of Cordyceps militaris, known to modulate immune responses and alleviate inflammation. Sesame oil is known with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities.

METHODS

C. militaris polysaccharide was prepared and formulated with sesame oil to prepare emulsion and nanoemulsion, which are ideal mucosal delivery systems for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds concurrently. The physical property and storage stability of these formulations were illustrated, and their effects on ameliorating vaginitis were investigated in a murine model of vaginal Candida infection.

RESULTS

C. militaris polysaccharide-containing nanoemulsion showed smaller particle size, lower polydispersity index, higher zeta-potential and better stability than emulsion. Intravaginal administration of C. militaris polysaccharide-containing nanoemulsion significantly attenuated C. militaris colonization and vaginitis. Notably, these formulations exerted distinct effects on modulating cell infiltration and splenic cytokine production. Moreover, different profile of vaginal microflora was observed among the treatment groups, revealing the potential action mechanisms of these formulations to mitigate vaginal Candida infection.

CONCLUSION

C. militaris polysaccharide- and sesame oil-containing nanoemulsion is potential to be developed as intravaginal therapeutic strategy for C. albicans-induced vaginitis.

Blueberry and Blackberry Anthocyanins Ameliorate Metabolic Syndrome by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Metabolism in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6J Mice

In this study, blueberry (Vaccinium ssp.) anthocyanins (VA) and blackberry (Rubus L.) anthocyanins (RA) were used to investigate the effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the potential mechanisms. Importantly, all of the data presented in this study were obtained from experiments conducted on mice. As a result, VA and RA reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation while improving liver damage, inflammation, glucose, and lipid metabolism induced by a high-fat diet. Moreover, VA and RA regulated the gut microbiota composition, decreasing the pro-obesity and proinflammation bacteria taxa, such as the phylum Actinobacterium and the genera Allobaculum and Bifidobacterium, and increasing those negatively associated with obesity and inflammation, such as the phylum Bacteroidetes and the genera Prevotella and Oscillospira. Additionally, the supplementation with VA and RA reversed the elevated levels of valeric, caproic, and isovaleric acids observed in the high-fat diet (HFD) group, bringing them closer to the levels observed in the Chow group. This reversal indicated that alterations in the composition and abundance of gut microbiota may contribute to the restoration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels. Additionally, PICRUSt2 exhibited that cyanamino acid metabolism and betalain biosynthesis might be the major metabolic pathways in the HVA group compared with the HFD group, while in the HRA group, it was the phosphotransferase system. These findings suggest that VA and RA can ameliorate MetS by modulating the gut microbiota and production of SCFAs.

A Systematic Review on the Research Progress on Polysaccharides from Fungal Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a class of natural drugs with multiple components and significant therapeutic effects through multiple targets. It also originates from a wide range of sources containing plants, animals and minerals, and among them, plant-based Chinese medicine also includes fungi. Fungal traditional Chinese medicine is a medicinal resource with a long history and widespread application in China. Accumulating evidence confirms that polysaccharide is the main pharmacodynamic material on which fungal TCM is based. The purpose of the current systematic review is to summarize the extraction, isolation, structural identification, biological functions, quality control and medicinal and edible applications of polysaccharides from fungal TCM in the past three years. This paper will supplement and deepen the understanding and application of polysaccharides from fungal TCM, and propose some valuable insights for further research and development of drugs and functional foods.