Abstract

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 obesity
induced 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