2025/04/25 by Djebbi, Manel, Ellouze, Ines, Jridi, Mourad
paper · doi:10.48347/imist.prsm/ajmap-v10i2.53521
The escalating prevalence of obesity and its associated complications, including oxidative stress and dyslipidelmia, underscores an urgent need for effective interventions. This study evaluated the potential of Citrus aurantium peel powder as a dietary supplement to mitigate these effects in Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet. Over 44 days, three supplementation levels (1%, 3%, and 5%) were assessed. The supplementation notably attenuated weight gain and reduced fat deposition on kidneys and genital apparatus (p<0.05). The highest dose (5%) significantly enhanced oxidative status in key organs, with notable increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in heart and kidneys compared to the control group (p<0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicative of lipid peroxidation, showed substantial reductions in the liver and kidneys at 5% supplementation (p<0.05). Lipid profile improvements included reductions in total cholesterol (0.437±0.114mmol/L, p<0.01), triglycerides (0.324±0.045mmol/L, p<0.05), and LDL cholesterol (0.067±0.012mmol/L, p<0.05). These findings highlight the antioxidant and lipid-modulating effects of Citrus aurantium, linked to its rich bioactive compound profile. The results suggest that Citrus aurantium peels, typically underutilized in the Mediterranean region, may serve as a promising functional food ingredient to combat obesity-related oxidative stress and dyslipidemia. Future studies should explore clinical applications and the integration of this resource into dietary strategies to address global health challenges.