Publications

The global prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise at an alarming rate, posing a major public health and economic challenge worldwide. Growing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of obesity-induced diabetes through mechanisms involving energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, glucose regulation, and systemic inflammation. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the gut microbial community, contributes significantly to metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance. Natural products, particularly those derived from plants, herbs, and dietary sources, have emerged as promising modulators of the gut microbiota with therapeutic potential in preventing and managing obesityinduced diabetes. These bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, dietary fibers, alkaloids, saponins, and prebiotics, can restore microbial balance, enhance short-chain fatty acid production, reduce endotoxemia, and modulate host metabolism. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the interplay between gut microbiota and metabolic diseases, highlights natural product-derived interventions for gut microbiota modulation, and discusses the mechanistic insights and therapeutic prospects of targeting the gut microbiota in the prevention of obesity-induced diabetes. Keywords: Gut microbiota, Natural products, Obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Dysbiosis, Metabolic disorders