Anti-diabetic effect of baicalein is associated with the modulation of gut microbiota in streptozotocin and high-fat-diet induced diabetic rats

•Baicalein improved insulin-resistance and systemic inflammation in diabetic rats.•Baicalein modulated gut microbiota composition and enhanced gut barrier function.•SCFA-producing bacteria were up-regulated and pathogens were down-regulated.•Bacteroidales S24-7 and Bacteroides were found to be putative beneficial bacteria.