These findings indicate that the ameliorative effects of QG on HLP may be associated with the correction of gut microbiota dysbiosis, the modulation of lipid metabolites, and the regulation of cholesterol metabolism.
Qige decoction (QG) significantly improved dyslipidemia and pathological changes in high-fat, high-cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats.
QG showed intervention effects superior to those of Huangqi-Gegen decoction (HG) and Chenpi decoction (CP) in hyperlipidemic rats.
Hyperlipidemic rats showed severe gut microbiota dysfunction, which QG partially reversed.
QG increased the abundance of several beneficial bacterial genera.
QG decreased the abundance of several bacterial genera considered harmful.
Hyperlipidemic rats had liver lipid metabolite disorders, which QG partially reversed, including reduced levels of 37 triglyceride metabolites.
QG downregulated intestinal NPC1L1 and upregulated ABCG5/8 in liver and small intestine, regulating cholesterol metabolism.
This study tested a traditional Chinese herbal formula called Qige decoction in rats made hyperlipidemic (high blood fats) with a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet. Over 20 days, the rats were given Qige, two other herbal formulas (Huangqi-Gegen and Chenpi), or the cholesterol drug atorvastatin. Qige improved blood lipid levels and tissue changes caused by the diet, and in this study it worked better than the other two herbal formulas. The researchers also looked at possible reasons. Qige shifted the gut bacteria back toward a healthier balance, raising some beneficial bacteria and lowering others considered harmful. It also lowered 37 types of triglyceride-related fats in the liver. In addition, it reduced a protein that helps absorb cholesterol in the intestine (NPC1L1) and increased proteins that help remove cholesterol (ABCG5/8) in the liver and small intestine. This research suggests that Qige may help manage high blood fats through gut bacteria, liver fat metabolism, and cholesterol handling. However, the work was done in rats over a short period, and the abstract gives no data on safety or on effects in people, so it is an early step and does not show that the formula would work in humans.
Zunming Z, Meiao T, Xiaoqing Y, Xuehong K, Keer H. (2026). Qige decoction ameliorates hyperlipidemia in rats by modulating the intestinal microbiota and liver metabolism.. Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan. https://doi.org/10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2026.05.009