Synergistic Effect of Lactobacillus Mixtures and Lagerstroemia speciosa Leaf Extract in Reducing Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

In this study, we describe the anti-obesity effects of a novel combination of <i>Lactobacillus</i> mixture (<i>Lactobacillus curvatus</i> HY7601 and <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> KY1032) and leaf extract of <i>Lagerstroemia speciosa</i> (<i>L. speciosa</i>) in mice. The administration of the probiotic mixture of HY7601 and KY1032 in combination with the leaf extract of <i>L. speciosa</i> significantly attenuated fat tissue formation and body weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The white adipose fat mass, comprising the inguinal and epididymal fat pads, was most effectively reduced when the probiotic mixture and <i>L. speciosa</i> leaf extract was orally administered to the mice in combination. This combination also reduced the mRNA expression of adipogenic genes (those encoding CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and fatty acid-binding protein 4) in inguinal and epididymal white adipose tissue depots and the liver. Finally, the combination of reduced blood glucose concentrations regulated the insulin resistance of high-fat diet-fed obese mice. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the effect of this combination and suggest that using <i>Lactobacillus</i> mixture (HY7601 and KY1032) is as safe as microbial monotherapy, but more effective at preventing obesity.