Abstract
The Asian coastal communities have used the brown seaweeds Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum since ancient times. Recently, some in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated their abilities in reducing risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Here, we analyzed the protective effect of a phytocomplex extracted from these seaweeds on the deposition of fat in the liver after the administration of a high-fat diet (HFD) to rats for five weeks. The administration of F. vesiculosus and A. nodosum led to significant reductions in microvescicular steatosis and plasma biochemical and lipid parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin, and triglycerides. Furthermore, the postprandial glycemic peak was delayed and significantly reduced (p < 0.01) by the algal extract administration. In conclusion, this extract is effective in reducing microvescicular steatosis and improving glycemic control, thereby lowering the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes, diseases related to the consumption of fat and sugar-enriched diets.
Highlights
The brown seaweeds Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum are available food sources that have been used since ancient times by the coastal communities of Britain, Asia, and other countries [1]
This has been associated with metabolic disorders, e.g., nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and with pathologic conditions characterized by a low-grade inflammatory state, which could lead to severe immune and cognitive dysfunctions [10,11,12]
We investigated the effects of the five-week administration of the phytocomplex obtained from two brown algae, A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus, on glycemic control and liver obtained from two brown algae, A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus, on glycemic control and liver function function of high-fat diet (HFD)-treated Wistar rats
Summary
The brown seaweeds Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum are available food sources that have been used since ancient times by the coastal communities of Britain, Asia, and other countries [1]. A number of studies have recently confirmed that the consumption of seaweeds ameliorates the conditions of patients affected by metabolic diseases, e.g., type 2 diabetes (T2D). The modern western lifestyle is characterized by a drastic increase in the consumption of high-palatable hypercaloric diets, which lead to obesity, T2D, and metabolic syndrome [9]. This has been associated with metabolic disorders, e.g., nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and with pathologic conditions characterized by a low-grade inflammatory state, which could lead to severe immune and cognitive dysfunctions [10,11,12].
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