Anti-Obesity Effects of Acid-Processed Citrus reticulata Blanco Peel Extract Enriched in Highly Bioactive Polymethoxyflavones: Inhibition of 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Differentiation and Therapeutic Efficacy in ob/ob Mice
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Chronic diseases linked to obesity represent a major global health challenge. Although pharmaceutical treatments show efficacy, their use is often limited by side effects. Methods: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of acid-processed Citrus reticulata Blanco peels extract (CRBE) prepared through reflux extraction with 50% ethanol, followed by acid treatment using 3 M hydrogen chloride and neutralization. Results: Following acid treatment, the composition of the extract showed a marked increase in the 5-demethylated forms of polymethoxyflavones, particularly 5-demethylnobiletin (31.86 mg/g) and 5-demethyltangeretin (34.68 mg/g), whereas the concentrations of the typical citrus polymethoxyflavones, nobiletin (14.82 mg/g) and tangeretin (10.61 mg/g), decreased. Using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, CRBE inhibited adipogenesis concentration dependently, substantially decreasing the expression of adipogenic transcription factors and lipid metabolism-related proteins. In ob/ob mice, oral CRBE substantially suppressed body weight gain without affecting food intake, while normalizing liver function indicators and improving serum lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. Conclusions: Acid-processed CRBE effectively inhibits adipocyte differentiation and exhibits anti-obesity effects in vivo, offering potential as a natural agent for obesity management with minimal side effects.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu17213322
Authors: Hiyoung Kim, Mi-Gi Lee, Myoung-Sook Shin
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Awards: G2206295879, G6759230556, G8619517515
OpenAlex ID: W4415451878