Amelioration of metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet-fed mice by total sesquiterpene lactones of chicory via modulation of intestinal flora and bile acid excretion

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a commonly used vegetable in Europe and is also regarded as a plant for both medicinal and edible uses in China. Chicory exhibits a substantial abundance of sesquiterpene lactone compounds within its composition. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing and has become a global public health issue threatening the well-being of the general population. Recent studies have identified plant secondary metabolites as potential substances for treating MetS. Sesquiterpene lactones, a type of secondary metabolite with diverse biological activities, have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, reduce lipid accumulation, and normalize blood glucose levels. However, the therapeutic effects of chicory sesquiterpene lactones on MetS remain to be explored, and little is known about sesquiterpene lactones' effects on intestinal flora and bile acids (BAs). Therefore, the effects of total sesquiterpene lactones (TSLs) from chicory on metabolic disorders, intestinal flora, and BAs were investigated in this study. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, followed by administration of TSLs, total chicory extract (TCE), and pioglitazone (Pio) for another 8 weeks. TSL, TCE, and Pio interventions reduced body weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, and lipogenesis in HFD-fed mice and attenuated plasma biochemical parameters. Among them, TSLs exhibited more significant effects, prompting further analysis of their impact on intestinal flora and bile acid metabolism. TSL intervention influenced the composition and structure of intestinal flora and BAs. TSL intervention impacted the composition and structure of the intestinal flora, characterized by a decrease in the abundances of Allobaculum, unidentified_Coriobacteriaceae, and Odoribacter, while the abundances of Prevotella, unidentified_Erysipelotrichaceae and Akkermansia were increased. Additionally, the levels of BAs TCDCA, GDCA, UDCA, 12-ketoLCA, 7-ketoLCA, and 6,7-diketoLCA were reduced. The research results indicated that TSLs from chicory may serve as potential agents for regulating metabolic abnormalities associated with MetS, as their effects can influence intestinal flora and BAs. The conclusions of this study are expected to open new research trajectories in the field of food science and nutrition, providing a solid scientific basis and innovative intervention approaches for the development of strategies targeting MetS prevention and management.