Antioxidant, Anti-obesity, and Lipid- lowering Properties of Philippine “Duhat” (Syzgium cumini L. Skeel) Freeze-dried Fruit Flesh

Abstract

Philippine indigenous berries are known as rich sources of antioxidants that may promote health and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Thus, the study investigated the nutritional, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and lipid-lowering properties of freeze-dried “duhat” (FDD) (Syzgium cumini L. Skeel) fruit using proximate analysis, in vitro antioxidant assays, and in vivo efficacy using obese diet-induced ICR mice, respectively. Mice were randomly allocated to five groups fed with various diets ad libitum for nine weeks as follows: Group 1 with normal diet (ND) and served as the control, Group 2 with high-fat diet (HFD) that served as the negative control, Group 3 with HFD + 10% w/w FDD powder, Group 4 with HFD + 20% w/w FDD powder, and Group 5 with HFD + 30% w/w FDD powder. Proximate composition of FDD fruit flesh includes 20.16 ± 0.75% moisture content, 2.64 ± 0.06% total crude fiber, 4.50 ± 0.21% crude fat, 7.10 ± 0.20% crude protein, and 62.22 ± 1.11% carbohydrate. It is a rich source of antioxidants with a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 0.02 mg QE/g FDD, total phenolic content (TPC) of 12.52 ± 0.02 mg GAE/ g FDD, and anti-oxidant activity of 96.07 ± 0.86. Results of the in vivo study showed significant reduction in blood TG by 50% at 30% FDD supplementation (w/w) and by 30% at 20% FDD supplementation (w/w) (p < 0.05). Also, a significant increase of up to 45% in HDL-C in the 30% FDD-supplemented group was noted compared to the baseline mean (Week 0) at Weeks 3 and 6 of supplementation (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant findings were noted in the blood total cholesterol (TC) levels. The improvement in lipid profile could be attributed to the nutritional and bioactive compounds found in Philippine duhat. Taken collectively, this study yielded interesting findings that can be further investigated at the cellular and molecular levels.