Effects of Ocimum basilicum mucilage on hyperlipidemia and gut microbiota on mice fed a high-fat diet

Reducing obesity by modifying gut microbiota is a promising therapeutic option. We tested our hypothesis on mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with Ocimum basilicum L. (OB) through oral gavage. The present study examined whether mucilage isolated from OB could maintain weight gain in HFD-fed mice. Mice were randomly divided into CTL (control group – normal diet), HFD, and HFD + OB (HFD diet supplemented with OB mucilage). Body weight, food consumption, body fat mass, liver, blood plasma, and feces were collected and analyzed. Liver and large intestine samples were collected via dissection to evaluate the liver histological and fatty acids in the large intestine. Fecal samples were taken to assess the gut microbiome. Compared to the HFD group, the HFD + OB group significantly reduced weight, food consumption, fat ratio, liver weight, and lipid. LDL concentration also decreased in the HFD + OB group, but there was no difference in other biochemical indicators, which was a good sign in preventing hyperlipidemia. In addition, there was a change in gut microbiota composition in the HFD group compared to HFD + OB one, comparable to the gut microbiota in the CTL control group. OB mucilage was a potential prebiotic for weight control through lowering plasma lipids and modifying the gut microbiota.