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Chronic administration of a calafate (Berberis microphylla) polyphenol-rich extract modulates gut microbiota and metabolic homeostasis associated with thermogenic activation in high-fat diet-fed mice.

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Title: Chronic administration of a calafate (Berberis microphylla) polyphenol-rich extract modulates gut microbiota and metabolic homeostasis associated with thermogenic activation in high-fat diet-fed mice.
Authors: Duarte L; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Villanueva V; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Barroux R; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Orellana JF; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Uribe D; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Quezada JJ; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Ramirez LA; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Vasquez K; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Poblete-Aro C; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y La Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile., Gotteland M; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Magne F; Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile., Valenzuela R; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile., Garcia-Diaz DF; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile. digarcia@uchile.cl.
Source: Journal of physiology and biochemistry [J Physiol Biochem] 2026 Sep 16; Vol. 82 (1). Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Sep 16.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad De Navarra (departamentos de fisiología y nutrición y de bioquimica) Country of Publication: Spain NLM ID: 9812509 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1877-8755 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 11387548 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Physiol Biochem Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Pamplona, Spain : Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad De Navarra (departamentos de fisiología y nutrición y de bioquimica), [1998-
MeSH Terms: Thermogenesis*/drug effects , Polyphenols*/pharmacology , Polyphenols*/administration & dosage , Gastrointestinal Microbiome*/drug effects , Plant Extracts*/pharmacology , Plant Extracts*/administration & dosage , Plant Extracts*/chemistry , Obesity*/metabolism , Obesity*/microbiology , Obesity*/etiology, Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects ; Homeostasis/drug effects ; Adipose Tissue, Brown/metabolism ; Adipose Tissue, Brown/drug effects ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects ; Adipose Tissue, White/metabolism ; Adipose Tissue, White/drug effects ; Cecum/microbiology ; Cecum/metabolism ; Animals ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Mice
Abstract: Obesity is characterized by a pathological increase in white adipose tissue (WAT). In addition to WAT, humans and animals have brown (BAT) and beige adipose tissue, specialized in thermogenesis. Increasing thermogenesis could help treat obesity. Polyphenols, such as those found in Calafate (Berberis microphylla), promote thermogenesis, but their effectiveness depends on gut microbiota (GM) composition. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a Calafate extract on GM composition and thermogenic activity of brown and beige adipose tissue in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were subdivided into 4 groups: control diet (C), control/Calafate diet (CC), high-fat diet (HF) and high-fat/Calafate diet (HFC). CC and HFC groups received daily 50 mg total polyphenols/kg body weight of Calafate extract in the drink for 4 months. Before euthanasia, mice underwent an energy expenditure (EE) measurement. RT-PCR was used to evaluate transcripts of thermogenic markers in ATs. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and GM composition were analyzed in cecal contents. Calafate extract administration reduced weight gain and increased EE, regardless of diet. It also enhanced the expression of thermogenic markers in BAT and inguinal WAT. While no significant changes in GM α-diversity were found, Calafate extract administration influenced GM composition. Additionally, correlations were observed between thermogenic markers and the abundance of specific gut bacteria. In conclusion, Calafate extract prevents excessive weight gain in HFD-fed male mice, potentially via a thermogenic transcriptional response associated with an enriched abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria.
(© 2026. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to University of Navarra.)
Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
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Grant Information: 1171550 Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Brown adipose tissue; Browning adipose tissue; Calafate; Gut microbiota; Polyphenols; Thermogenesis
Local Abstract: [plain-language-summary] Calafate extract in mice produced: Reduced body weight gain induced by a high-fat diet. Enhanced thermogenic gene expression in adipose tissue. Preserved short-chain fatty acid levels in the gut. Modulated gut microbiota associated with increased thermogenic activity.
Substance Nomenclature: 0 (Polyphenols)
0 (Plant Extracts)
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260916 Date Completed: 20260916 Latest Revision: 20261008
Update Code: 20261008
DOI: 10.1007/s13105-026-01232-9
PMID: 42747643
Database: MEDLINE
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  Label: Title
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  Data: Chronic administration of a calafate (Berberis microphylla) polyphenol-rich extract modulates gut microbiota and metabolic homeostasis associated with thermogenic activation in high-fat diet-fed mice.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Duarte+L%22">Duarte L</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Villanueva+V%22">Villanueva V</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Barroux+R%22">Barroux R</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Orellana+JF%22">Orellana JF</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Uribe+D%22">Uribe D</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Quezada+JJ%22">Quezada JJ</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Ramirez+LA%22">Ramirez LA</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Vasquez+K%22">Vasquez K</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Poblete-Aro+C%22">Poblete-Aro C</searchLink>; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y La Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Gotteland+M%22">Gotteland M</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Magne+F%22">Magne F</searchLink>; Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Valenzuela+R%22">Valenzuela R</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Garcia-Diaz+DF%22">Garcia-Diaz DF</searchLink>; Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile. digarcia@uchile.cl.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%229812509%22">Journal of physiology and biochemistry</searchLink> [J Physiol Biochem] 2026 Sep 16; Vol. 82 (1). <i>Date of Electronic Publication: </i>2026 Sep 16.
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  Label: Journal Info
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  Data: <i>Publisher: </i><searchLink fieldCode="PB" term="%22Servicio+de+Publicaciones+de+la+Universidad+De+Navarra+%28departamentos+de+fisiología+y+nutrición+y+de+bioquimica%29%22">Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad De Navarra (departamentos de fisiología y nutrición y de bioquimica) </searchLink><i>Country of Publication: </i>Spain <i>NLM ID: </i>9812509 <i>Publication Model: </i>Electronic <i>Cited Medium: </i>Internet <i>ISSN: </i>1877-8755 (Electronic) <i>Linking ISSN: </i><searchLink fieldCode="IS" term="%2211387548%22">11387548 </searchLink><i>NLM ISO Abbreviation: </i>J Physiol Biochem <i>Subsets: </i>MEDLINE
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  Data: <i>Original Publication</i>: Pamplona, Spain : Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad De Navarra (departamentos de fisiología y nutrición y de bioquimica), [1998-
– Name: SubjectMESH
  Label: MeSH Terms
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Thermogenesis%22">Thermogenesis*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Thermogenesis+drug+effects%22">drug effects</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Polyphenols%22">Polyphenols*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Polyphenols+pharmacology%22">pharmacology</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Polyphenols%22">Polyphenols*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Polyphenols+administration+%26+dosage%22">administration & dosage</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Gastrointestinal+Microbiome%22">Gastrointestinal Microbiome*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Gastrointestinal+Microbiome+drug+effects%22">drug effects</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Plant+Extracts%22">Plant Extracts*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Plant+Extracts+pharmacology%22">pharmacology</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Plant+Extracts%22">Plant Extracts*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Plant+Extracts+administration+%26+dosage%22">administration & dosage</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Plant+Extracts%22">Plant Extracts*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Plant+Extracts+chemistry%22">chemistry</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Obesity%22">Obesity*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Obesity+metabolism%22">metabolism</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Obesity%22">Obesity*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Obesity+microbiology%22">microbiology</searchLink> <br /><searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Obesity%22">Obesity*</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MM" term="%22Obesity+etiology%22">etiology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Diet%2C+High-Fat%22">Diet, High-Fat</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Diet%2C+High-Fat+adverse+effects%22">adverse effects</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Homeostasis%22">Homeostasis</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Homeostasis+drug+effects%22">drug effects</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Adipose+Tissue%2C+Brown%22">Adipose Tissue, Brown</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Adipose+Tissue%2C+Brown+metabolism%22">metabolism</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Adipose+Tissue%2C+Brown%22">Adipose Tissue, Brown</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Adipose+Tissue%2C+Brown+drug+effects%22">drug effects</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Energy+Metabolism%22">Energy Metabolism</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Energy+Metabolism+drug+effects%22">drug effects</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Adipose+Tissue%2C+White%22">Adipose Tissue, White</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Adipose+Tissue%2C+White+metabolism%22">metabolism</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Adipose+Tissue%2C+White%22">Adipose Tissue, White</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Adipose+Tissue%2C+White+drug+effects%22">drug effects</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Cecum%22">Cecum</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Cecum+microbiology%22">microbiology</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Cecum%22">Cecum</searchLink>/<searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Cecum+metabolism%22">metabolism</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Animals%22">Animals</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Mice%2C+Inbred+C57BL%22">Mice, Inbred C57BL</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Male%22">Male</searchLink> ; <searchLink fieldCode="MH" term="%22Mice%22">Mice</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Obesity is characterized by a pathological increase in white adipose tissue (WAT). In addition to WAT, humans and animals have brown (BAT) and beige adipose tissue, specialized in thermogenesis. Increasing thermogenesis could help treat obesity. Polyphenols, such as those found in Calafate (Berberis microphylla), promote thermogenesis, but their effectiveness depends on gut microbiota (GM) composition. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a Calafate extract on GM composition and thermogenic activity of brown and beige adipose tissue in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were subdivided into 4 groups: control diet (C), control/Calafate diet (CC), high-fat diet (HF) and high-fat/Calafate diet (HFC). CC and HFC groups received daily 50 mg total polyphenols/kg body weight of Calafate extract in the drink for 4 months. Before euthanasia, mice underwent an energy expenditure (EE) measurement. RT-PCR was used to evaluate transcripts of thermogenic markers in ATs. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and GM composition were analyzed in cecal contents. Calafate extract administration reduced weight gain and increased EE, regardless of diet. It also enhanced the expression of thermogenic markers in BAT and inguinal WAT. While no significant changes in GM α-diversity were found, Calafate extract administration influenced GM composition. Additionally, correlations were observed between thermogenic markers and the abundance of specific gut bacteria. In conclusion, Calafate extract prevents excessive weight gain in HFD-fed male mice, potentially via a thermogenic transcriptional response associated with an enriched abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria.<br /> (© 2026. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to University of Navarra.)
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Competing Interests
  Group: Ab
  Data: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
– Name: Ref
  Label: References
  Group: RefInfo
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  Group: Grant
  Data: 1171550 Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo
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  Data: <i>Keywords: </i>Brown adipose tissue; Browning adipose tissue; Calafate; Gut microbiota; Polyphenols; Thermogenesis<br /><i>Local Abstract: </i>[plain-language-summary] Calafate extract in mice produced: Reduced body weight gain induced by a high-fat diet. Enhanced thermogenic gene expression in adipose tissue. Preserved short-chain fatty acid levels in the gut. Modulated gut microbiota associated with increased thermogenic activity.
– Name: NumberCAS
  Label: Substance Nomenclature
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  Data: 0 (Polyphenols)<br />0 (Plant Extracts)
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  Label: Entry Date(s)
  Group: Date
  Data: <i>Date Created: </i>20260916 <i>Date Completed: </i>20260916 <i>Latest Revision: </i>20261008
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  Data: 10.1007/s13105-026-01232-9
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PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=cmedm&AN=42747643
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        Value: 10.1007/s13105-026-01232-9
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Diet, High-Fat adverse effects
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Homeostasis drug effects
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Adipose Tissue, Brown metabolism
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Adipose Tissue, Brown drug effects
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Energy Metabolism drug effects
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      – SubjectFull: Adipose Tissue, White metabolism
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Adipose Tissue, White drug effects
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Cecum microbiology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Cecum metabolism
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Animals
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mice, Inbred C57BL
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Male
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mice
        Type: general
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      – SubjectFull: Polyphenols pharmacology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Polyphenols administration & dosage
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Gastrointestinal Microbiome drug effects
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      – SubjectFull: Plant Extracts pharmacology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Plant Extracts administration & dosage
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Plant Extracts chemistry
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Obesity metabolism
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Obesity microbiology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Obesity etiology
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Chronic administration of a calafate (Berberis microphylla) polyphenol-rich extract modulates gut microbiota and metabolic homeostasis associated with thermogenic activation in high-fat diet-fed mice.
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              M: 09
              Text: 2026 Sep 16
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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            – TitleFull: Journal of physiology and biochemistry
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