Berberine treatment increases Akkermansia in the gut and improves high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice

Modulation of gut microbiota, specifically an increase in the abundance of Akkermansia, may contribute to the antiatherosclerotic and metabolic protective effects of berberine, which is poorly absorbed orally. Our findings therefore support the therapeutic value of gut microbiota manipulation in treating atherosclerosis.