Dose-dependent Effects of Cacao Polyphenol Intake on Lipid Metabolism in Rats

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2021 Jun;76(2):254-255. doi: 10.1007/s11130-021-00893-9. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Abstract

Cacao polyphenols (CPs) are known to suppress the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol absorption. Herein, we examined the impact of CP on the lipid metabolism in rats fed CP-rich chocolate, by analyzing liver weight and histology, via hematoxylin-eosin staining. The high-CP group had significantly lighter livers than the CP-free group. Histologically, the high-CP group showed significantly lower liver fat accumulation than the CP-free group. These results suggest that CPs prevent liver fat accumulation, being potentially useful against obesity and related diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cacao*
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Polyphenols* / metabolism
  • Polyphenols* / pharmacology
  • Rats

Substances

  • Polyphenols