Cordyceps militaris extracts and cordycepin ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> <i>Cordyceps militaris</i>, which has many potential medicinal properties, has rarely been reported to alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). <b>Methods:</b> The effects of <i>C. militaris</i> extracts (CE) and cordycepin (CCS) on high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) induced T2DM mice were analysed by gut microbiome and metabolomics methods in this study. <b>Results:</b> The results demonstrated that glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammation cytokines were down-regulated in the CCS and CE groups. A comparative analysis of the fecal samples from mice in the model and experimental groups showed that experimental groups resulted in a higher abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study provides evidence that <i>C. militaris</i> can be used as a food supplement to relieve T2DM, which provides a promising prospect for new functional food in it.