Crude Polysaccharide Extracted From Moringa oleifera Leaves Prevents Obesity in Association With Modulating Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Moringa oleifera polysaccharides (MOP) extracted from leaves significantly prevented weight gain and metabolic dysfunction in mice fed high-fat diets. Researchers tested three different doses of MOP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg daily) against control groups receiving either normal or high-fat diets alone. The polysaccharide supplementation effectively blocked fat accumulation, improved blood lipid profiles, reduced insulin resistance, and lowered inflammatory markers compared to mice on high-fat diets without supplementation. Beyond metabolic benefits, MOP dramatically altered gut bacteria composition in ways associated with healthier weight management. Beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides, norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, and Oscillibacter increased substantially, while obesity-linked bacteria including Blautia, Alistipes, and Tyzzerella decreased. The study also found that MOP influenced gene expression related to fat metabolism and bile acid processing. This represents the first investigation into moringa polysaccharides' anti-obesity effects and their connection to gut microbiome changes. The findings suggest these specific compounds from moringa leaves may function as prebiotics, supporting beneficial gut bacteria while preventing diet-induced obesity. The dose-response relationship across three concentrations provides evidence that higher amounts may offer greater protection, though the abstract does not specify which dose proved most effective.