Effects of Natural Flavonoid Isoorientin on Growth Performance and Gut Microbiota of Mice

Isoorientin (ISO) is a natural flavonoid, which is a 6-C-glucoside of luteolin, and has been demonstrated to possess multiple biological properties. In this study, the effects of ISO on the growth performance and gut microbiota of BALB/c mice were investigated. The results showed that ISO could promote food intake and body weight gain, increase the digestibility of crude proteins and utilization of the gross energy, and strengthen antioxidant capacity of mice. We also demonstrated it has no side effects on hepatic and renal functions. Moreover, ISO inhibited the growth of most bacteria in gut microbiota, especially the pathogenic genera of Alistipes, Helicobacter, and Oscillibacter, which could lead to inflammation. Metabolisms of epithelial cell signaling in Helicobacter pylori infection, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis, and LPS biosynthesis proteins in gut microbiota of the control group were more abundant than those in the ISO group, while lipid metabolism and vitamin B-6 metabolism were enriched in the ISO group. We found the changes in enrichments of metabolic pathways of the gut microbiota along with the ISO application were positively correlated with the antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antibiosis. This work provided a fundamental basis for the future development of ISO-functional foods used for resistance to oxidation, inflammation, and pathogens.