Camu-Camu Reduces Obesity and Improves Diabetic Profiles of Obese and Diabetic Mice: A Dose-Ranging Study

Abstract

Overweight, obesity, and their comorbidities are currently considered a major public health concern. Today considerable efforts are still needed to develop efficient strategies able to attenuate the burden of these diseases. Nutritional interventions, some with plant extracts, present promising health benefits. In this study, we evaluated the action of Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia), an Amazonian fruit rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, on the prevention of obesity and associated disorders in mice and the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in both cecum and feces. Methods: We investigated the dose-response effects of Camu-Camu extract (CCE) in the context of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity. After 5 weeks of supplementation, we demonstrated that the two doses of CCE differently improved glucose and lipid homeostasis. The lowest CCE dose (62.5 mg/kg) preferentially decreased non-HDL cholesterol and free fatty acids (FFA) and increased the abundance of A. muciniphila without affecting liver metabolism, while only the highest dose of CCE (200 mg/kg) prevented excessive body weight gain, fat mass gain, and hepatic steatosis. Both doses decreased fasting hyperglycemia induced by HFD. In conclusion, the use of plant extracts, and particularly CCE, may represent an additional option in the support of weight management strategies and glucose homeostasis alteration by mechanisms likely independent from the modulation of A. muciniphila abundance.

Mono-n-butyl Malate-Derived Compounds from Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) Malic Acid: The Alkyl-Dependent Antihyperglycemic-Related Activity

“…Additionally, in vivo studies on high-fat-diet-induced mice evidenced antiobesity activity of the M. dubia extract at a 200 mg/kg dose, preventing weight gain and decreasing fasting hyperglycemia . Moreover, as the M.…”

“…Additionally, in vivo studies on high-fat-diet-induced mice evidenced antiobesity activity of the M. dubia extract at a 200 mg/kg dose, preventing weight gain and decreasing fasting hyperglycemia. 31 Moreover, as the M. dubia pulp improved the biochemical profile (glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides contents) in obese rats, the fruit could be considered a functional food ingredient in treating obesity-linked chronic diseases. 32 However, this is the first time that monobutyl malate esters are found to be responsible for the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, showing better behavior than the positive control (acarbose).…”

Akkermansia muciniphila: The state of the art, 18 years after its first discovery

“…Another interesting fruit extract rich in polyphenols is camu-camu extract. This prebiotic can also improve the homeostasis of glucose and lipids while also increasing the abundance of A. muciniphila after five weeks of supplementation in HFD fed mice (164). Dietary supplementation with polysaccharides such as fucoidan decreased body weight in HFD-fed mice and also improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.…”

Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh): An Amazonian Fruit with Biofunctional Properties–A Review

“…Some biofunctional properties related to human health-promoting have been attributed to this Amazon fruit because of the high content of bioactive compounds. In general, these properties are linked with the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases that currently present a significant affectation on the daily activities of the human being. ,,,,,, In the following section, some of them are summarized.…”

“…Because of that, the chemical profile of bioactive compounds contained in some tropical fruits, such as camu camu ( M. dubia ), has led to the research of natural sources to treat and prevent some metabolic diseases in replacement of drug-based treatment . In this way, it has been verified that M. dubia has high health-beneficial properties that potentially can prevent some noncommunicable chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and hypertension, , and conditions related to oxidative stress such as inflammations, mutations, and chromosome damage, among others. ,, …”