Influence of Panax ginseng on obesity and gut microbiota in obese middle-aged Korean women.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gut microbiota is regarded as one of the major factors involved in the control of body weight. The antiobesity effects of ginseng and its main constituents have been demonstrated, but the effects on gut microbiota are still unknown.

Methods

To investigate the effect of ginseng on gut microbiota, 10 obese middle-aged Korean women took Panax ginseng extracts for 8 wk and assessment of body composition parameters, metabolic biomarkers, and gut microbiota composition was performed using 16S rRNA gene-based pyrosequencing at baseline and at 8 wk. Significant changes were observed in body weight and body mass index; however, slight changes were observed in gut microbiota. We divided the participants into two groups, the effective and the ineffective weight loss groups,

SUBMITTER: Song MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3986624 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature