Effects of forsythin extract in <i>Forsythia</i> leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in rats fed a high-fat diet
Lanlan Gui, Shaokang Wang, Jing Wang, Wang Liao, Zitong Chen, Da Pan, Hui Xia, Guiju Sun, Tian Su
Abstract
<i>Forsythia suspensa</i>, belonging to the deciduous shrubs of the Luteaceae family, a traditional Chinese medicine, has effects of alleviating swelling, clearing heat, detoxification and promoting blood circulation. The leaves of <i>Forsythia suspensa</i> contain multiple chemical components and have a long history of use in folk medicines and health foods. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of forsythin extract from <i>Forsythia suspensa</i> leaves on intestinal microbiota and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet. Forsythin extract in <i>Forsythia</i> <i>suspensa</i> leaves increased the abundance of the intestinal microbiota, ameliorated intestinal microbiota disorders and inhibited the increase in total SCFA content in the intestinal tract in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet. These results suggested that forsythin extract in <i>Forsythia suspensa</i> leaves may slow the development of obesity induced by a high-fat diet; thus, its active components and efficacy are worthy of further study.