Abstract
Lawsone methyl ether (LME), which is naturally occurring and a form of naphthoquinone, is becoming increasingly popular due to the potential applications for metabolic disorders. Studies show that LME has multiple beneficial effects including significant antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity; therefore, they can increase overall metabolic health. Although most studies have shown no direct evidence about how LME affects gut microbiota, there are now emerging studies that demonstrate that bioactive phytochemicals such as LME may affect the composition and function of gut microbial populations. Gut microbiota has an important role to play in regulating glucose metabolism, maintaining lipid homeostasis, balancing energy levels and regulating immune reactions. There is also a well-documented association between dysbiosis (or an unbalanced gut microbial population) with obesity, Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. LME may act to restore the balance of gut bacteria by increasing beneficial bacteria, decreasing pathogenic organisms and increasing the production of important microbial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids; thereby positively affecting gut barrier integrity, decreasing systemic inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity. In addition, the possible synergistic effect of LME's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on the regulation of metabolism, may occur through metabolic pathways associated with gut microbiota