Scientists from the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) have shown that bergamot leaf extract can restore metabolic balance and protect the liver in obesity. The results are published in the journal Food Research International (FRI).
In the experiment, laboratory rats, in which obesity and metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) had been previously induced by a high-fat diet, were given Citrus bergamia extract daily for 8 weeks (along with the continuation of the high-fat diet). The researchers recorded a significant improvement in lipid metabolism: the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides decreased, and the concentration of “good” HDL cholesterol increased.
It's like putting the circulatory system in order: the “bad” fats that can clog the vessels have decreased, while the “good” fats that help cleanse them have increased.
Liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST) also decreased significantly, indicating reduced liver damage.
These enzymes are an alarm signal; when their levels drop, it means that the “fire” in the liver is dying down.
In addition, the animals lost weight, demonstrated a reduction in total fat mass, improved glucose tolerance, and histopathological analysis of liver tissues showed a reduction in steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
That is, under the microscope, it was visible that there was less fat in the liver (steatosis), irritation of its tissues (inflammation) decreased, and the process of scar formation (fibrosis), which prevents the organ from functioning normally, slowed down.
Biochemical analysis showed that bergamot has a pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the level of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines in liver cells.
In simple terms, the extract acts as a “shield” for cells, neutralizing harmful molecules (reactive oxygen species), which can be compared to rust that destroys metal. At the same time, it calmed the immune system by reducing the number of “alarm signals” (cytokines) that cause inflammation.
In addition, modulation of gene expression related to lipid metabolism was detected, revealing the molecular mechanisms of its action.
This is the most interesting thing: it turned out that bergamot can “switch” genes, telling them to accumulate less fat and burn it more actively.
This slowed the development of metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), one of the key complications of obesity.
According to the authors, the data obtained open the prospect of using bergamot leaf extract as a natural remedy for the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders and metabolically associated fatty liver disease. The scientists emphasize that the next steps will be clinical trials in humans, which will help determine optimal dosages and confirm the safety of the substance with long-term use.
