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Published on: July 28, 2023
Flavor molecules regulate appetite through the gut-brain Axis: An emerging perspective
Qinfei Ke1, Yongkang Zheng1, Chi-Tang Ho2
1Collaborative Innovation Center of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetics, School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China.
Abstract:
Bioactive flavor molecules (e.g., eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, capsaicin) regulate appetite and energy metabolism via the gut-brain axis, yet their multi-target mechanisms lack integration. This review distills three core regulatory pathways: 1. enhancing beneficial microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production to stimulate satiety hormones; 2. targeting olfactory and chemo-receptors to amplify satiety signals; and 3. modulating neurotransmitters (γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine) to integrate hedonic and homeostatic control. Unlike fragmented single-component studies, this review uniquely synthesizes the synergistic actions of these molecules across microbial, endocrine, and neural networks. These molecules serve as multifunctional gut-brain modulators, offering novel strategies for microbiota-targeted functional foods.
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