Abstract
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a blood orange Citrus sinensis standardized extract from “Moro” cultivar, on weight loss in overweight but otherwise healthy individuals. Anthocyanins and particularly cyanidin 3-glucoside, found in a large variety of fruits including Sicilian blood oranges, can help to counteract weight gain and to reduce body fat accumulation through the modulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic pathways. In this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study, all participants (overweight adults aged 20–65 years old) were randomized to receive either Moro blood orange standardized extract or a placebo daily for 6-months. The primary outcome measure was change in body mass and body composition at the end of the study. After 6-months, body mass (4.2% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.015), body mass index (p = 0.019), hip (3.4 cm vs. 2.0 cm, p = 0.049) and waist (3.9 cm vs. 1.7 cm, p = 0.017) circumferences, fat mass (p = 0.012) and fat distribution (visceral and subcutaneous fat p = 0.018 and 0.006, respectively) were all significantly better in the extract supplemented group compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). In addition, all safety markers of liver toxicity were within the normal range throughout the study for both analyzed groups. Concluding, the present study demonstrates that Moro blood orange standardized extract may be a safe and effective option for helping with weight loss when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Highlights
A body of literature data reported that anthocyanins, polyphenolic plant secondary metabolites, polyhydroxy and polymethoxy derivatives of flavylium salts [6], suppress lipid accumulation in adipocytes trough the modulation of transcription factors regulating lipogenesis [7]
Preliminary research in humans has shown 400 mg of a Moro blood orange standardized extract (Morosil®) supplementation in overweight yet otherwise healthy participants for 12 weeks induced a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference in comparison to placebo group [20]
It was hypothesized that the supplementation with the standardized extract, in conjunction with diet and exercise, would improve weight loss in overweight but otherwise healthy male and female compared to placebo control group
Summary
Obesity and overweight represent a major global health and societal concern. Worldwide, the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled since 1975 with 39% of adults over 18 years of age, overweight and 13% obese [1]. Preliminary research in humans has shown 400 mg of a Moro blood orange standardized extract (Morosil®) supplementation in overweight yet otherwise healthy participants for 12 weeks induced a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference in comparison to placebo group [20]. As there has only been one human trial on this extract of “Moro” orange cultivar, the aim of this study is to further assess the effect of the above-mentioned standardized extract at the same dose on weight loss and on all safety markers of liver toxicity in healthy adult males and females aged between 20 and 65 years to better understand its action in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise over a 6-month period. It was hypothesized that the supplementation with the standardized extract, in conjunction with diet and exercise, would improve weight loss in overweight but otherwise healthy male and female compared to placebo control group
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