AUTHOR=Chen MingJu , Wu Yuxiao , Yang Hongxuan , Liu Tianfeng , Han Tongkun , Dai Wangqiang , Cen Junyue , Ouyang Fan , Chen Jingjing , Liu Jianxin , Zhou Lin , Hu Xuguang 

TITLE=Effects of fermented Arctium lappa L. root by Lactobacillus casei on hyperlipidemic mice

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1447077

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2024.1447077

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>This study aimed to establish a fermentation system based on <italic>Lactobacillus casei</italic> (LC) and <italic>Arctium lappa L. root</italic> (AR) to investigate its effects. The objectives included comparing metabolite profiles pre- and post-fermentation using untargeted metabolomics and evaluating the impact of LC-AR in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Untargeted metabolomics was used to analyze differences in metabolites before and after fermentation. <italic>In vitro</italic> antioxidant activity, liver injury, lipid levels, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and cholesterol-related mRNA expression were assessed. 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted to evaluate changes in gut microbiota composition.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>LC-AR exhibited stronger antioxidant activity and higher metabolite levels than AR. It also improved liver injury as well as better regulation of lipid levels, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and cholesterol-related mRNA. 16S rRNA analysis revealed that LC-AR decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which correlated negatively with triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.</p></sec><sec><title>Discussion</title><p>These findings suggest that LC-AR may serve as a promising functional food and drug raw material for improving hyperlipidemia, particularly through its beneficial effects on gut microbiota and lipid regulation.</p></sec>