Role of the compound fermentation of ginseng and soybean product in alleviating hyperlipidemia based on the comprehensive relationship between gut microbiota and fecal metabolites

The gut microbiota is closely related to hyperlipidemia. Changes in the microbiome can influence the metabolism of fecal metabolites. Based on the fermentation principles of soybeans, a compound fermentation product of Ginseng and Soybean (GS) was prepared to elucidate its mechanism in lowering blood lipids by examining its effects on the gut microbiota and its metabolites. A hyperlipidemia rat model was established by feeding rats a high-fat diet, followed by administering different doses of GS suspension for 8 weeks. GS significantly reduced the increased Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio in hyperlipidemic rats and regulated the levels of Allobacterum , Fusicenibacterium , Anaerostipes , and Alistipes . Spearman correlation analysis with fecal metabolomics revealed close associations with amino acid, lactose, and cholesterol metabolism in the positive and negative TCA cycles. Notably, the correlation between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and their metabolites was most significant. Hyperlipidemia may be associated with abnormal energy metabolism in the organism. GS, a fermented product derived from medicinal and food sources, can reduce blood lipid levels in hyperlipidemic rats, regulate the abnormal structure of the gut microbiota and its metabolites, and correct the body's energy metabolism. It can serve as a nutrient for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia. Research flow chart of the whole research.