# Eubacterium sp. mediates the anti-obesity effect of lotus leaf extract via brown adipose tissue activation and white fat browning

## TL;DR

Lotus leaf extract helps reduce obesity in mice by changing gut bacteria, especially Eubacterium sp., which activates brown fat and improves metabolism.

## Contribution

This study identifies Eubacterium sp. as a key mediator of lotus leaf extract's anti-obesity effects through gut microbiota modulation and fat browning.

## Key findings

- Lotus leaf extract reduced weight gain and activated brown adipose tissue in obese mice.
- Eubacterium sp. enrichment in the gut was linked to improved glucose and lipid metabolism.
- Margaroleic acid levels increased in serum following Eubacterium sp. enrichment.

## Abstract

Nelumbinis folium [Nelumbonaceae; Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.] is a traditional Chinese medicine. Although studies have reported the efficacy of lotus leaf in weight management, the underlying molecular pathways necessitate further studies. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of lotus leaf on gut microbiota and their metabolites, especially long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), and measure how the effects of lotus leaf on gut microbiota help control obesity. The 12-week Lotus Leaf Extract (LLE) treatment mitigated weight gain, reduced liver and white adipose tissue mass, and activated brown adipose tissue in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, indicating enhanced energy metabolism. LLE reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis by enriching Eubacterium sp. in the gut. Microbiota transplantation indicated that Eubacterium sp. contributes to fat browning and thermogenesis, thereby alleviating host obesity, glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis. In addition, Eubacterium sp. significantly increased the levels of margaroleic acid in mouse serum. In summary, the study found that lotus leaf extract can prevent obesity by modulating the gut microbiota, which in turn activates BAT activity and promotes the browning of WAT.

Flowchart-style scientific graphic illustrating the effects of lotus leaf and Eubacterium sp. on gut microbiota, brown and white adipose tissue, obesity, and related metabolic indicators in mice under various diets, with graphical data showing protein levels and fat distribution changes.