Modulation of gut microbiota by red ginseng extract powder and dietary fiber in obese mice: identification of key microbial candidates

Abstract

Red ginseng extract powder (RGEP) and red ginseng dietary fiber (RGDF) contain bioactive components with potential prebiotic effects. As gut microbiota plays a critical role in obesity and is influenced by prebiotics, we investigated the effects of RGEP and RGDF supplementation on gut microbiota diversity, composition, and metabolic functions in diet-induced obese mice. RGEP and RGDF supplementation altered gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Akkermansia. Alpha diversity analysis showed an increase in microbial richness, particularly in the high-dose RGDF group, whereas beta diversity analysis confirmed a distinct separation between red ginseng-fed groups and obesity models. Functional pathway analysis revealed that supplementation with RGEP and RGDF enhanced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism, lipid metabolism, and anti-inflammatory metabolism, suggesting modulation of gut microbial functional profiles. These findings suggest that RGEP and RGDF contribute to gut microbiota modulation by enhancing microbial diversity, promoting SCFA metabolism, and suppressing pro-inflammatory bacterial taxa. While only gut microbiota profiles were analyzed, the observed restoration of microbial balance suggests a potential contribution of red ginseng components to host metabolic health, which warrants further investigation. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in human trials and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.