Researchers discovered that a polysaccharide (a type of carbohydrate) from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, may help reduce weight gain and fat buildup in the liver. The study found that this plant compound works by changing the bacteria in your gut, which then helps your body burn more calories and store less fat. When scientists gave this herb extract to obese mice, the animals gained less weight and had better liver health. The exciting part is that the benefits disappeared when they removed the gut bacteria, proving that the herb’s power comes from working with your body’s natural bacteria.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a plant compound from an ancient Chinese herb could help reduce obesity by changing gut bacteria and how the body uses energy
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were overweight from eating a high-fat diet; the study did not include human participants
  • Key finding: Mice treated with the herb extract gained significantly less weight, had less fat in their livers, and burned more calories. These benefits only worked when the mice had healthy gut bacteria, suggesting the herb works by improving your gut microbiome
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a natural plant compound might help with weight management, but it’s very early stage. The study was only done in mice, so we don’t yet know if it will work the same way in humans. More research is needed before anyone should consider this as a treatment

The Research Details

Scientists conducted an experiment using mice that had become overweight by eating a high-fat diet. They gave some mice a special extract from Lithospermum erythrorhizon (a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine) and compared them to mice that didn’t receive the treatment. The researchers measured how much weight the mice gained, how much fat built up in their livers, and how much energy they burned.

To understand how the herb worked, the scientists did additional experiments. They removed all the gut bacteria from some mice using antibiotics to see if the bacteria were necessary for the herb’s benefits. They also took bacteria from treated mice and transferred them to untreated mice to see if the bacteria alone could produce the same weight-loss effects.

The researchers also examined what was happening at the molecular level—looking at specific bacteria types, bile acids (digestive compounds), and short-chain fatty acids (products made by gut bacteria) to understand the exact pathway the herb was using.

This research approach is important because it goes beyond just showing that something works—it explains the ‘why’ and ‘how.’ By using the antibiotic experiment and bacterial transplant experiment, scientists proved that the herb’s benefits depend on gut bacteria, not just the herb itself. This is crucial because it suggests the herb works as a partner with your body’s natural bacteria, which is different from many medications that work directly on your body.

This study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with mice, which allows for careful measurement and control of variables. However, the study has important limitations: it was only done in animals, not humans; the exact sample size isn’t specified in the abstract; and results in mice don’t always translate to humans. The fact that the researchers used multiple experimental approaches (removing bacteria, transplanting bacteria) to confirm their findings strengthens the reliability of their conclusions about how the herb works.

What the Results Show

Mice that received the herb extract gained significantly less weight compared to control mice eating the same high-fat diet. The treated mice also had much less fat buildup in their livers, which is important because fatty liver disease is a common problem in overweight people. Additionally, the treated mice showed signs of burning more calories overall, suggesting their metabolism was working harder.

When researchers examined the gut bacteria, they found that the herb selectively reduced certain bacteria that produce an enzyme called BSH (bile salt hydrolase). This reduction led to higher levels of specific bile acids in the bloodstream and increased production of short-chain fatty acids in the cecum (part of the large intestine). These changes appear to activate the body’s ability to burn fat for heat, a process called thermogenesis.

Most importantly, when scientists removed all gut bacteria from the mice using antibiotics, the herb’s weight-loss benefits completely disappeared. This proved that the bacteria were essential for the herb to work. When they transplanted bacteria from treated mice into untreated mice, the untreated mice started showing weight-loss benefits, demonstrating that the bacteria themselves carried the beneficial effects.

The study found that liver function improved in treated mice, suggesting the herb may protect liver health beyond just reducing fat storage. The researchers also observed increased expression of thermogenic markers in fat tissue, indicating that the herb activates the body’s natural heat-generating processes. These secondary findings suggest the herb may have multiple beneficial effects on metabolism and organ health.

This research builds on previous knowledge that Lithospermum erythrorhizon has anti-obesity properties, but it provides the first detailed explanation of how it works. Earlier studies showed the herb could help with weight loss, but didn’t explain the mechanism. This study fills that gap by identifying the specific role of gut bacteria and the metabolic pathways involved. The findings align with growing scientific understanding that gut bacteria play a crucial role in obesity and metabolism.

The most significant limitation is that this study was conducted only in mice, not humans. Mouse metabolism differs from human metabolism in important ways, so results may not translate directly. The study doesn’t specify the exact number of mice used or provide details about how many were in each group. Additionally, this was a laboratory study with controlled conditions that don’t reflect real-world eating and lifestyle. The herb extract used was a purified polysaccharide, which may be different from consuming the whole plant or a less-processed version. Finally, the study doesn’t address potential side effects or safety concerns in humans.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, we cannot yet recommend Lithospermum erythrorhizon polysaccharide as a weight-loss treatment for humans. The evidence is promising but preliminary—it comes from animal studies only. If you’re interested in this herb, discuss it with your doctor before trying it. For now, proven approaches to weight management remain a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. (Confidence level: Low—animal studies only)

This research is most relevant to scientists studying obesity and gut bacteria, and to people interested in traditional plant-based remedies. People with obesity or metabolic disorders might find this interesting as a potential future option, but should not rely on it yet. This research is NOT a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. People taking medications or with existing health conditions should definitely consult their healthcare provider before trying any new supplements.

If this herb eventually proves effective in humans, benefits would likely take weeks to months to become noticeable, similar to other weight-loss interventions. This is not a quick-fix solution. More human studies would need to be conducted before realistic timelines could be established.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If users want to monitor their own gut health in the future, they could track weekly measurements of: body weight (same time each day), energy levels (1-10 scale), and digestive comfort (noting any changes in bloating or digestion). This creates a baseline for comparison if they eventually try any gut-health interventions.
  • Users interested in supporting gut bacteria health while waiting for more research could use the app to track: daily fiber intake (aim for 25-30g), water consumption (8+ glasses), and probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi). These evidence-based habits support healthy gut bacteria naturally.
  • Create a long-term wellness tracker that monitors digestive health markers (bloating, energy, digestion quality) and weight trends over months. This allows users to establish their personal baseline and notice patterns. If they eventually try any new supplement, they’ll have clear data to compare against their baseline.

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used as medical advice. Do not start taking Lithospermum erythrorhizon supplements or any other new supplement without consulting your doctor first, especially if you have existing health conditions, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Weight loss and obesity management should be discussed with qualified healthcare professionals. This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical guidance.