# Gut Microbiota-Targeted Intervention of Hyperlipidemia Using Monascus-Fermented Ginseng

## TL;DR

This study explores how Monascus-fermented ginseng can treat hyperlipidemia by altering gut microbiota and improving lipid metabolism.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates that fecal microbiota transplantation with Monascus-fermented ginseng modulates gut microbiota to treat hyperlipidemia.

## Key findings

- FMT with MFG improved lipid profiles and reduced body weight in hyperlipidemic mice.
- MFG enhanced cholesterol excretion and fatty acid oxidation while suppressing lipogenesis.
- MFG normalized the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriched beneficial gut microbiota.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hyperlipidemia (HLP) encompasses a spectrum of poorly understood lipid metabolism disorders that are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, potentially leading to multiple complications. While the gut microbiota has been implicated in HLP pathogenesis, the causal relationships and molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of Monascus-fermented ginseng (MFG) on HLP through gut microbiota modulation and explore treatment potential via fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Methods: The MFG-modulated gut microbiota was transplanted into HLP mice. Systemic evaluations, including serum biochemical parameter detection, histopathological section analysis, 16S rRNA sequencing, and fecal metabolomics, were conducted to assess therapeutic efficacy and identify associated metabolic pathways. Results: FMT significantly improved lipid profiles, reduced body weight, and attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation in HLP mice. Mechanistically, it enhanced cholesterol excretion and fatty acid β-oxidation while suppressing lipogenic regulators, concurrently promoting primary-to-secondary bile acid conversion. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that the MFG intervention effectively normalized the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriched beneficial microbiota. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate FMT’s therapeutic value in HLP management and provide new perspectives on utilizing fermented herbal medicines for metabolic disorders via gut microbiota reprogramming.