Effects of Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. fruit on metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction induced by high refined carbohydrate-containing-diet in mice

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which has been shown to be involved in the development of various comorbidities such as insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and liver damage. Phytochemicals found in some spices could modulate inflammation and improve health problems associated with the excess of adiposity. The extract of the Brazilian pepper Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (CEXA) showed positive effects in the lower dose on oral glucose tolerance, hepatic steatosis and liver inflammation. The higher dose of CEXA also showed improvement on insulin sensitivity and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-13 and IL-4 on adipose tissue and liver. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in CEXA. This study suggests the potential of the Brazilian pepper to attenuate mice glucose resistance and liver inflammation, health problems commonly associated with obesity. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.