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

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cordyceps militaris is an edible and medicinal fungus, and its polysaccharides are among its main pharmacological components. They can display immunomodulation, anti‐oxidation, anti‐inflammation, anti‐hypolipidemic, and other functions. The anti‐obesity effect of C. militaris polysaccharides (CMP) is not yet fully understood, however. RESULTS In this study, a CMP diet intervention was applied over a 4 week period to mice with obesity induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD), followed by profiling of obesity‐induced dyslipidemia, low‐grade inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. The results suggested that CMP could significantly reduce HFD‐induced obesity, alleviate obesity‐induced hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance, and ameliorate systemic inflammation, showing a promising ability to protect mice from obesity. Further analyses revealed that CMP could regulate obesity‐induced gut dysbiosis by restoring the phylogenetic diversity of gut microbiota. It could also increase the relative abundance of short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐producing bacteria, while down‐regulating the level of bacteria that were positively related to the development of obesity. A correlation analysis showed that Helicobacter, Allobaculum, Clostridium XVIII, Parabacteroides, Ligilactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, Adlercreutzia, and Mediterraneibacter were positively related to obese phenotypes. CONCLUSION This study highlights the potential of CMP as a prebiotic agent to protect obese individuals from metabolic disorders and gut dysbiosis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

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

“…Hence, the Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio does not seem to be a reliable indicator in the management of obesity. Consistent with previous reports [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ], we found that the abundance of Allobaculum was significantly decreased in HFD-fed mice. However, the abundance of Parabacteroides , Blautia , Streptococcus , and Anaerotruncus , which were positively correlated with obesity, was significantly increased.…”

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

“…66 VA and RA also decreased the abundance of Allobaculum belonging to the phylum Firmicutes, which is positively related to lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and the progression of inflammation. 67,68 Additionally, the administration of the HFD could decrease the abundance of Prevotella, which belongs to the Bacteroidetes phylum. Previous studies have provided evidence that the abundance of Prevotella is relatively higher in MetS patients, and high levels of Prevotella could trigger an inflammatory response and further lead to damage to the gut barrier.…”

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

“…Our results indicated that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Clostridium_sensu_stricto was decreased after ginsenoside Rb1, CK, and PPD treatment. Meanwhile, previous studies had shown that the relative abundance of Clostridium_XIVa was enhanced in feces of 34 obese subjects with metabolic syndrome than without metabolic syndrome [ 41 ] and Clostridium_XVIII was positively related to obese phenotypes in mice [ 42 ]. Ginsenoside Rb1 and CK treatment reduced the relative abundance of Clostridium_XIVa and Clostridium_XVIII in HFD-fed rats.…”