Key result
Persimmon leaf extract downregulated lipid synthesis genes (e.g., FAS, P<0.001) and upregulated lipid degradation genes while modulating gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-fed mice.
Why the study?
Persimmon leaf is valued for its lipid-lowering effect, but few reports have revealed its hypolipidemic mechanism.
Does persimmon leaf extract ameliorate hyperlipidemia in high-fat-diet-fed mice?
Does persimmon leaf extract ameliorate hyperlipidemia in high-fat-diet-fed mice?
Persimmon leaf extract ameliorates hyperlipidemia in mice by regulating lipid metabolism genes and restoring gut microbiota homeostasis.
Persimmon leaf extract may lower lipids via identified mechanisms; leaves open translation to human hyperlipidemia therapy.
BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia is characterized by abnormally elevated blood lipids. Persimmon leaf has multiple pharmacological activities and is valued for its lipid-lowering effect. However, few reports have revealed the hypolipidemic mechanism of persimmon leaf. In this study, compositions from the ethanol extract of persimmon leaf (PLE) were identified by high-resolution liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The mechanism of PLE against hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat diet in mice was then explored based on lipid gene expression and gut microbiota. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that 27 compositions from PLE were identified, of which the primary hypolipidemic compositions were astragalin, hyperoside, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. Supplementation of PLE could reduce serum lipids, liver injury, lipid accumulation, and inflammation. The analysis of lipid gene expression indicated that PLE downregulated the expression of lipid synthesis genes FAS (fatty acid synthase; P < 0.001), ACC (acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase; P < 0.01), SCD1 (stearyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase 1; P < 0.05) and SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c; P < 0.01), while upregulating the expression of lipid degradation genes PPAR-α (peroxide-activated receptor alpha; P < 0.05) and CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase; P < 0.05). Simultaneously, PLE greatly recovered the intestinal short-chain fatty acid content, especially butyric acid (P < 0.05), valeric acid (P < 0.01) and isovaleric acid (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis showed that PLE decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Turicibacter, and Dubosiella microbiota, which maintained the homeostasis of intestinal flora. CONCLUSION: PLE could prevent lipid metabolism disorders and modulate gut microbiota homeostasis in hyperlipidemic rats. This study provides insights into PLE as a natural active substance for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.
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Liu et al. (2025) studied Hyperlipidemia. Ethanol extract of persimmon leaf (PLE) vs. High-fat diet control was evaluated on Lipid gene expression and gut microbiota homeostasis. Persimmon leaf extract downregulated lipid synthesis genes (e.g., FAS, P<0.001) and upregulated lipid degradation genes while modulating gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-fed mice.
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