Yellow leaf green tea modulates the AMPK/ACC/SREBP1c signaling pathway and gut microbiota in high‐fat diet‐induced mice to alleviate obesity

Abstract BACKGROUND Yellow leaf green tea (YLGT) is a new variety of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze, which has yellow leaves and the unique qualities of ‘three green through three yellow’. The present study aimed to investigate the anti‐obesity effect of YLGT in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) and to explore the potential mechanisms by regulating the AMPK/ACC/SREBP1c signaling pathways and gut microbiota. RESULTS The results showed that YLGT aqueous extract reduced body weight, hepatic inflammation, fat accumulation and hyperlipidemia in HFD‐induced C57BL/6J mice, and also accelerated energy metabolism, reduced fat synthesis and suppressed obesity by activating the AMPK/CPT‐1α signaling pathway and inhibiting the FAS/ACC/SREBP‐1c signaling pathway. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiment further confirmed that the alteration of gut microbiota (e.g. increasing unclassified_Muribaculaceae and decreasing Colidextribacter ) might be an important cause of YLGT water extract inhibiting obesity. CONCLUSION In conclusion, YLGT has a broad application prospect in the treatment of obesity and the development of anti‐obesity function beverages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.