AUTHOR=Zhang Dandan , Cheng Hao , Wu Jing , Zhou Yaochuan , Tang Fei , Liu Juan , Feng Wuwen , Peng Cheng 

TITLE=The energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with gut microbiota and bile acid receptor TGR5-UCP1 signaling

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1392385

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2024.1392385

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=Abstract
Introduction: As a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with hot property, aconite can significantly promote energy metabolism. However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiota and bile acids contribute to the energy metabolism-promoting of aconite. The aim of this experiment was to verify whether the energy metabolism-promoting of aconite aqueous extract (AA) is related to gut microbiota and BA metabolism.
Methods: The effect of AA on energy metabolism in rats was detected based on body weight, body temperature, adipose tissue by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. In addition, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and targeted metabolomics were used to detect changes in gut microbiota and BAs (bile acids) concentrations, respectively. Antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were also performed to demonstrate the importance of gut microbiota. 
Results: Rats given AA experienced a rise in body temperature, a decrease in body weight, and an increased in BAT (brown adipose tissue) activity and browning of WAT (white adipose tissue). Sequencing analysis and targeted metabolomics indicated that AA modulated gut microbiota and BA's metabolism. The promoting energy metabolism of AA was found to be mediated by gut microbiota, as demonstrated through antibiotic treatment and FMT. Moreover, the energy metabolism promoting effect of aconite is associated with bile acid receptor TGR5 (Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5)-UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) signaling pathway.
Conclusion: The energy metabolism-promoting of aconite is associated with gut microbiota and bile acid receptor TGR5-UCP1 signaling.