Effects of Momordica charantia on Gut Microbiota and Obesity in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Moon Heewon, Lee Kangwook, Ha Jung-Heun, Kim Na Yeun, Shin Hyo Ri, Cho Tae Jin, Oh Nam Su, Park Jinbong, Tang Jingsi, Kim Jae Kyeom, Kim Misook
Primary Institution: Dankook University
Hypothesis
This study aims to investigate the effects of Momordica charantia and its fermented form on gut microbiota and obesity-related health outcomes in high-fat diet-fed mice.
Conclusion
Both Momordica charantia and its fermented version significantly altered gut microbial communities and reduced body weight gain in mice on a high-fat diet.
Supporting Evidence
- Both MC and FMC groups exhibited significant alterations in gut microbial communities.
- FMC induced a distinct shift in beta diversity indices.
- Changes in microbial taxa such as Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Firmicutes were observed.
- These shifts were associated with reduced body weight gain and liver weights.
Takeaway
This study shows that a plant called Momordica charantia can help make mice healthier by changing their gut bacteria and helping them not gain too much weight.
Methodology
Mice were assigned to four dietary regimens over 12 weeks, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate microbial diversity.
Limitations
The study was conducted on a specific mouse strain, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other species.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 male mice
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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