Improving effects of the flavonoid high-fiber powder from tartary buckwheat on glycolipid metabolism disorder and their potential mechanisms
The individual components of Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoid High-Fiber Powder (TBP, including tartary buckwheat, konjac, Tremella fuciformis, lotus leaf, resistant dextrin, and inulin) have known hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects, but the efficacy and mechanisms of the composite TBP formulation remain unclear. Using a rat model of glycolipid metabolic disorder induced by high-fat diet plus alloxan, we evaluated the intervention effect of TBP via oral gavage. TBP significantly ameliorated the disorder. It reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) area under the curve, restored fasting insulin (Fins), and decreased HOMA-IR. It lowered serum TC, TG, and LDL-C, increased HDL-C, and reduced hepatic accumulation of TC, TG, and free fatty acids (FFA). TBP also alleviated hepatic oxidative stress (increased GSH, SOD, CAT; decreased MDA), reduced ALT/AST activities, and downregulated IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha. Regarding intestinal function, TBP upregulated ZO-1 and Occludin, repaired gut barrier, modulated gut microbiota, and promoted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Mechanistically, TBP activated hepatic AMPK, inhibited ACC, and suppressed NF-kappaB signaling, thereby promoting energy metabolism, reducing abnormal lipid synthesis, and alleviating inflammation. In conclusion, TBP effectively improves glycolipid metabolic disorders in rats, potentially via intestinal barrier repair, gut microbiota modulation, SCFA production, AMPK activation, and NF-kappaB inhibition. This study supports its development as an adjunctive intervention for glycolipid metabolic disorders.