The Beneficial Effects of Lippia Citriodora Extract on Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice are Associated with the Modulation in the Gut Microbiota Composition.

Obesity is characterized by a dysfunction in the adipose tissue and an inflammatory subclinical state leading to insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is also associated with intestinal dysbiosis that contributes to inflammation development. Lippia citriodora (LCE) contains high levels of polyphenolpropanoids and has shown promising results in obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate a well-characterised extract of LCE in a model of metabolic syndrome in mice, focusing on its effects on metabolic tissues, endothelial dysfunction and microbiome.Mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) for six weeks and daily treated with LCE (1, 10 and 25 mg/kg). Glucose and lipid metabolism was investigated. The inflammatory state in the metabolic tissues and the intestinal microbiota composition were characterized, as well as the endothelium-dependent vasodilator response to acetylcholine.LCE reduced fat accumulation and improved plasma glycemic and lipid profiles, as well as the inflammatory process and the vascular dysfunction Moreover, LCE lessened the intestinal dysbiosis, as it reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased Akkermansia abundance in comparison with untreated HFD mice.The antiobesity therapeutic properties of LCE are most probably mediated by the synergic effects of its bioactive compounds. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.