Work

Exocarpium Citri Grandis alleviates postmenopausal obesity in ovariectomized mice through gut microbiota remodeling and metabolic reprogramming

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Exocarpium Citri Grandis (ECG, Huajuhong), the epicarp of Citrus grandis ‘Tomentosa’, traditionally used to resolve phlegm, is also applied against phlegm-dampness-type obesity. Further evidence is needed to clarify its anti-obesity effects and role in gut microbiota modulation. In this study, ECG significantly reduced body weight, serum TG, TC, and LDL-c, while HDL-c increased ( p < 0.05). Metabolic cage, qPCR, and Western blot analyses of ingWAT, pgWAT, and iBAT showed increased energy expenditure, upregulated thermogenic genes (e.g., Ucp1 , Atp2a2 ), downregulated lipid synthesis genes (e.g., Acc , Fas ), and enhanced lipolytic and mitochondrial gene expression (e.g., Atgl , Mgll ).It also showed strong anti-inflammatory effects by reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, increasing mucus layer thickness, and upregulating intestinal barrier genes ( Zo-1 , Occludin ).16S rDNA sequencing revealed increased β-diversity, SCFA-producing bacteria, and elevated lactic and hexanoic acid levels. ECG may reduce postmenopausal obesity by remodeling gut microbiota and reprogramming metabolism, indicating its potential as a functional food. • ECG alleviates obesity, dyslipidemia, and adipose dysfunction in OVX mice. • ECG repairs intestinal barrier damage and reduces systemic inflammation. • ECG reshapes gut microbiota, enhancing SCFA-producing beneficial. • ECG validates traditional usage as functional food for obesity management.

Source: Journal of Functional Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107102