Polyphenols from hickory nut reduce the occurrence of atherosclerosis in mice by improving intestinal microbiota and inhibiting trimethylamine N-oxide production

•Effects of hickory polyphenol extracts on atherosclerosis were evaluated in C57BL/6J mice fed with high-fat and high-choline diet.•Hickory polyphenol extracts improved the index of obesity and inflammation, and alleviated the pathological changes of atherosclerosis.•Hickory polyphenol extracts changed the composition, function and abundance of intestinal microbiota.•Hickory polyphenol extracts can reduce atherosclerosis occurrence by regulating TMA-FMO3-TMAO pathway.