The lipid-lowering effects of fenugreek gum, hawthorn pectin, and burdock inulin

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering effects and mechanisms of fenugreek gum (FG), hawthorn pectin (HP), and burdock inulin (BI) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats. METHODS: In this study, high-fat diet (HFD) together with fat emulsion administration were used to establish hyperlipidemia model. The biochemical indices were assayed after administration of FG, HP, and BI. Their effects were evaluated by factor analysis. Alterations of gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecal were assessed to illustrate the mechanism of lipid lowering. RESULTS: The supplementation of FG, HP, and BI on HFD-fed rats decreased the levels of serum lipid and reduced the HFD-related liver and testicle damage. In the scatter plot of factor analysis, HP and BI were closer to normal fat diet (NFD) group in restoring the severity of hyperlipidemia, while FG and HP enhanced the excretion of cholesterol and bile acids (BAs). The levels of total SCFAs, especially butyric acid reduced by HFD were increased by HP. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes increased by HFD was reduced by HP and BI. FG, HP, and BI enriched intestinal probiotics, which were related to bile acid excretion or lipid-lowering. CONCLUSIONS: FG inhibited the absorption of cholesterol and enhanced the excretion of it, as well as increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. While BI restored the imbalance of intestinal microbiota. HP enhanced the excretion of cholesterol and BAs, and restored the imbalance of intestinal microbiota. It was also utilized by intestinal microorganisms to yield SCFAs. This study suggested that FG, HP, and BI possessed the potential to be utilized as dietary supplements for obesity management.