Polyphenol-rich black currant juice ameliorates metabolic syndrome induced by high-fat diet in rats

Abstract

Our study was aimed to investigate the effects of commercially available, cold-pressed polyphenol-rich black currant (BC) juice on fat accumulation, blood lipids, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and inflammation, in rats placed on high-fat high-fructose (HFF) diet. Coadministration of BC juice significantly reduced diet-induced adiposity and plasma triglycerides levels, improved glucose tolerance, and suppressed hepatic inflammation during prolonged HFF feeding in rats. These findings suggest that consumption of BC juice may counter the harmful effects of the Western diet rich in fats and sugars, and to be useful for the prevention of metabolic syndrome development and progression.