Phytochemical Characterization and Gut Microbiota Modulation by Berry Cactus Juice Concentrate in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Rat Model.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifaceted disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors. MetS is associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Recently, attention has turned to gut microbiota, a diverse microbial community in the gastrointestinal tract implicated in metabolic diseases, including MetS. Berry cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) contains polyphenols, pectins, sterols, and betalains with reported hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. This study evaluated the impact of berry cactus juice concentrate (BJC) on metabolic markers, gut microbiota composition and predicted microbial functions in high-fat diet-induced MetS rat model. Metabolic markers related to MetS and comprehensive analyses of microbial 16 S rRNA gene were obtained after 140 days of treatment. HFD feeding induced a MetS-like phenotype in rats; however, BJC supplementation did not significantly reverse the main metabolic alterations under the experimental conditions evaluated. Notably, BJC treatment was associated with changes in gut microbiota composition, including alterations in dominant phyla and relevant genera such as Parabacteroides. Predicted functional analyses suggested associations with pathways involved in fatty acid metabolism and promotion of the availability of berry cactus bioactive molecules. In addition, the presence of betalains and flavonoid derivatives was identified in BJC, which may contribute to its microbiota-modulating effects. These findings suggest that BJC may act primarily as a dietary modulator of microbiota in the context of HFD-induced metabolic disturbances. Although further studies are needed to determine whether these microbial changes translate into significant metabolic benefits.