Fig Meal Replacement Powder Ameliorates Obesity, Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Microbiota in Mice Fed With High-Fat...

Figs, known for their high-antioxidant capacity, have shown potential in regulating obesity. However, research on fig-based products and the mechanisms behind their effects remains limited. This study aims to systematically evaluate the potential of fig meal replacement powder (FMRP) in regulating obesity and mitigating obesity-induced oxidative stress through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, while also elucidating its underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrated that FMRP exhibited superior nutritional value and antioxidant activity compared to commercially available alternatives. Furthermore, FMRP significantly reduced weight gain, improved lipid metabolism, alleviated liver damage and oxidative stress, and positively modulated the gut microbiota in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Gut microbiota analysis showed that FMRP could restore the gut microbiota of hfd mice. For instance, it reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. The correlation analysis has revealed the key bacterial genera related to obesity and oxidative stress. The key bacterial genera related to obesity include Desulfovibrio, Lachnoclostridium, etc., while the key bacterial genera related to oxidative stress include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Turicibacter, etc. In conclusion, FMRP effectively alleviates oxidative stress, improves lipid metabolism, and modulates the gut microbiota, highlighting its potential as a functional food for obesity management.