Anthocyanin-Rich Butterfly Pea Flower Extract Ameliorating Low-Grade Inflammation in a High-Fat-Diet and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mouse Model

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the enhancive effects of butterfly pea flower (BF) extracts on metabolic and immune homeostasis in a low-grade inflammation mouse model. The BF extract was found to contain mainly anthocyanins among other flavonoids. BF supplementation alleviated metabolic endotoxemia by lowering the plasma glucose, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and restored lipid metabolism and the balance between Treg and Th17 cells, thereby inhibiting the dysfunctional liver and abdominal white adipose tissues. BF extract increased the tight junction protein expression and reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, therefore sustaining the colonic mucosa structure. Furthermore, BF extracts reshaped the gut microbiota structure characterized by significantly promoted SCFA-producing gut microbiota such as Akkermansia and Butyricicoccaceae. Additionally, BF extracts enhanced fecal primary bile acid (BA) levels and modulated bile acid signaling in the liver and ileum to facilitate BA synthesis for the restoration of lipid metabolism. In summary, anthocyanin-enriched BF extracts alleviated the profound negative dietary alterations and helped maintain the metabolic health by modulating the various aspects of the gut microenvironment and enhancing hepatic bile acid synthesis.

A Novel Plant-Based Nutraceutical Combined with Exercise Can Revert Oxidative Status in Plasma and Liver in a Diet-Induced-Obesity Animal Model

“…Butyricicoccaceae abundance was upregulated in obese compared to lean mice. This family has been described as butyrate-producing bacteria [ 70 ] and was upregulated in obese mice, although the nutraceutical and exercise intervention further increased the presence of this bacteria in caecum content. Among other beneficial effects, microbiota-derived butyrate has been reported to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines into plasma [ 71 ] in a similar way to what is reported in the present study.…”

Integrated Analysis of the Transcriptome and Microbial Diversity in the Intestine of Miniature Pig Obesity Model

“…Our research aligned with these findings. Butyricicoccaceae [ 64 ] and Dorea [ 65 ] were significantly enriched in the colon of the HFHCD group, and they are both gut bacteria that produce butyrate. Butyrate, categorized as a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), primarily fuels colon cells [ 66 ].…”

Exploring the Effects of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Insights into Gut Microbiome Modulation and Potential Antidiabetic Benefits

“…For instance, some researchers reported that anthocyanin supplementation led to an increased abundance of beneficial gut bacteria in rodents. This change in gut microbiota composition subsequently induced alterations in the metabolic profiles of host, including increased SCFA production in the colon and elevated circulating levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative metabolites in plasma. , Moreover, anthocyanin-rich diets resulted in the enhanced excretion of specific polyphenolic metabolites in urine, indicating efficient metabolism and absorption of these beneficial bioactive compounds . Additionally, some researchers demonstrated that anthocyanin consumption in humans influenced the urinary excretion of microbial-derived metabolites, such as hippurate and p -cresol sulfate, which are considered markers of gut microbial metabolism and functionality.…”