Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum Infusion Promotes Fat Oxidation in Hepatocytes and Stimulates Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation after Acute Ingestion in Humans: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Helichrysum italicum is an aromatic plant with promising pharmacological activities. Bioactive compounds found in plants represent an important alternative treatment for weight loss and an infusion of H. italicum contains compounds which could have such effect. Our aim was, therefore, to investigate its acute effects on resting energy expenditure (REE) and possible differences in substrate oxidation in a pilot study. A dried, ground plant material of H. italicum ssp. italicum was infused with hot water and chemically characterized with HPLC-MS analysis. Sensory evaluation of herbal tea was performed. A randomized, crossover, controlled pilot study was then conducted on eleven healthy male subjects. The REE and substrate oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry at baseline and 30 and 120 min after ingestion of infusion or hot water. The expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was examined in H. italicum infusion-treated hepatocytes. Several phenolic classes were identified in the infusion, caffeoylquinic acids were the most abundant, followed by pyrones and flavonols. A single ingestion of H. italicum infusion significantly increased REE by 4% and fat oxidation by 12% compared to hot water ingestion. A significant 2-fold up-regulation of β-oxidation-related genes in HepG2 cells, exposed to H. italicum infusion, was detected. This pilot study suggests that H. italicum infusion possesses bioactive substances with potential application in obesity prevention, which could, with additional studies, become an economically interesting novel application of the plant. Clinical trial registration number: NCT04818905

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench infusions in reversing the traits of metabolic syndrome: a double-blind randomized comparative trial

“…The HI infusion proved effective in reducing body weight, BMI, total body fat and visceral fat, which could all be attributed to its ability to increase fat oxidation, as was shown in vivo for acute ingestion and in vitro in hepatocytes. 24 The result is also in line with data on the separate polyphenolic compounds predominating in HI; chlorogenic acid, for example, reduced body mass and body fat, 35 and green coffee beans, with abundant chlorogenic acid, caused a decrease in abdominal fat area and visceral fat. 36 In animal models, of the compounds detected in HI, myricetins reduced body weight through brown adipose tissue activation 37 together with an improved lipid profile, 38 and kaempferol supplementation had a similar effect on weight loss as it can increase energy expenditure.…”

“…This is in contrast to our previous report where DBP decreased transiently 30 minutes after its acute intake. 24 On the other hand, increased blood pressure in patients with hypertension is mentioned as a possible side effect of HA ingestion. 18…”

“…23 In addition, a study examining the acute effect of a single ingestion found increased fat oxidation and increased resting energy expenditure in healthy male participants. 24 In a review of clinical trials, we found only six studies on the internal use of HI. 25 Even though it can be confirmed from those studies that the use of HI is safe, since no negative side effects were reported, not much can be concluded about the efficacy, as in most studies HI was used in combination with other herbs.…”

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench Infusion Consumption Affects the Inflammatory Status and the Composition of Human Gut Microbiota in Patients with Traits of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Comparative Study

“…Infusions of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don (also called immortelle or everlasting, abbreviated as HI) and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (sandy everlasting, abbreviated as HA) with plethora of polyphenols, such as hydroxycinnamic acids and pyrones, hydroxybenzoic acids, arzanol and flavonoids [ 16 , 17 ] exert beneficial effects for patients with obesity and MS [ 18 , 19 ]. We have recently shown that the intake of HI or HA has favourable but different effects on the traits of MS [ 19 ], where HI was more efficient in reducing body mass and fat mass, whereas HA efficiently reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels.…”

“…We have recently shown that the intake of HI or HA has favourable but different effects on the traits of MS [ 19 ], where HI was more efficient in reducing body mass and fat mass, whereas HA efficiently reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. In addition, a single ingestion of HI infusion increased fat oxidation and resting energy expenditure in healthy male participants [ 18 ]. These effects could be attributed to direct effects of bioactive compounds on peripheral organs, but there are other possible mechanisms.…”