Phenolic acids alleviate high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced metabolic disorders in rats

Abstract

Phenolic acids are naturally occurring compounds with meritorious physiological activities. The purpose of this study was to compare the ameliorative effects of six common phenolic acids on diet-induced metabolic syndrome (MS) in rats. SD rats were fed with high-fat and high-fructose diet supplemented with equimolar concentration of individual phenolic acids for 13 weeks. Results showed that different phenolic acids ameliorated MS through different ways. Compared with other phenolic acids, caffeic acid exerted more comprehensive effect in alleviating MS, with significant effects in attenuating hyperlipidemia, elevating glucose tolerance, improving antioxidant status, and normalizing hepatic functions. Ellagic acid exhibited good performance in hypolipidemia, anti-inflammation, and reducing visceral fat. Gallic acid and ρ-coumaric acid showed marked effects in regulating liver steatosis, while chlorogenic acid exhibited potential hepatic protective and anti-inflammatory abilities. These results will benefit the application of these phenolic acids in the development of functional food for MS population. Practical applications The high morbidity of metabolic syndrome (MS) has driven people to seek for natural and safe compounds to maintain optimal health. Different phenolic acids were shown to ameliorate MS through different ways, which provides experimental basis for developing combinations or formulas of phenolic acids with more comprehensive effects. Conversely, caffeic acid showed relatively better effects in attenuating features of metabolic disorders, and was suggested for the future development of functional foods for the population with MS.