Association of human gut microbiota composition and metabolic functions with *Ficus hirta* Vahl dietary supplementation

This study investigated the effects of *Ficus hirta* Vahl (FHV) dietary supplementation on the human gut microbiome. 43 healthy individuals were randomized into FHV diet (FHVD) and control groups for 8 weeks. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and metabolic profiling revealed that FHVD increased the abundance of *Dialister*, *Veillonella*, *Clostridium*, and *Lachnospiraceae*, while preserving *Faecalibacterium*. FHVD also enhanced amino acid synthesis, the citrate cycle, coenzyme synthesis, and B vitamin synthesis, increasing levels of serine, glutamine, GABA, tryptamine, and SCFAs. In-vitro fermentation confirmed the improved SCFAs were due to increased key enzyme genes and substrates. FHVD optimized the gut microbiome structure and metabolic profile, suggesting a positive impact on health.

Ruiming Xiao, Guangjuan Luo, Wanci Liao, Shuting Chen, Shuangyan Han, Shuli Liang, Ying Lin