# Berberine ameliorates high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders through promoting gut Akkermansia and modulating bile acid metabolism

## TL;DR

Berberine helps reduce high-fat diet effects by boosting gut bacteria Akkermansia and changing bile acid metabolism.

## Contribution

The study reveals that berberine's metabolic benefits are linked to promoting Akkermansia and modulating bile acid metabolism.

## Key findings

- Berberine reduces triglycerides and cholesterol in mice on a high-fat diet.
- Akkermansia is identified as a key responder to berberine, preserving intestinal mucus and tight junctions.
- Berberine promotes cholesterol conversion to bile acids via CYP7A1 expression.

## Abstract

Coptidis Rhizoma, the rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., has long been employed in the treatment of diabetes. Its active component, berberine, has been utilized in clinical practice; however, the underlying mechanisms of its protective effects remain to be fully elucidated.

Metabolomics and lipidomics analyzed plasma metabolite and lipid changes in mice fed a high-fat diet and treated with 25 mg/kg/day berberine for three months. Metagenomics and microbiota transplantation identified gut microbiota responding to berberine. Co-administration of berberine and Akkermansia was studied for metabolic effects, analyzing plasma and fecal metabolomics.

Berberine reduced triglycerides and cholesterol, showing metabolic protective effects. Metagenomics identified Akkermansia as key to berberine's benefits, validated by microbiota transplantation. Berberine enhanced Akkermansia growth, preserving intestinal mucus and tight junctions. It promotes the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids by inhibiting adenosine 5 ‘-monophosphate -activated protein kinase (AMPK), which promotes the expression of cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1). Co-administration of berberine and Akkermansia amplified these effects. Potential metabolites, including linoleic acid and N-acetylputrescine, contributed to the observed benefits.

Berberine, through Akkermansia, maintains intestinal integrity and reduces cholesterol, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders. Combining berberine with Akkermansia enhances its efficacy against hyperlipidemia.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-025-01251-6.