Amelioration of hyperglycemia by Rubus occidentalis (black raspberry) and increase in short-chain fatty acids producing bacteria

Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota play an important role in metabolic disorders. Rubus occidentalis (RO) (black raspberry) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and improves metabolic disorders such as hypertension and insulin resistance. This study investigated the composition of gut microbiota in RO-treated mice using an aged mouse model of high-fat diet-induced obesity. RO significantly improved mouse glucose profiles, including serum glucose levels and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test results. RO treatment caused significant increases in the relative abundance of various genera including Bacteroides, Butyricimonas, Mucispirillum, and Ruminococcus. Moreover, these increased genera correlated with the glucose profiles. Our findings suggest that the effect of RO on glucose control is associated with an increase in short-chain fatty acids producing bacteria.