A comprehensive review on effective role of Apple polyphenols in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and liver dysfunctions with some possible molecular mechanisms

Publication Date:
2018-10-10

Institutions involved:

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal

Participants:
Various, multiple clinical trials reviewed

Duration:
Clinical trials (ranging from 2 to 16 weeks)

Dosage:
Doses range from whole apples and juices to purified polyphenols, 300–1,500 mg/day in human trials

Key Takeaways:

Apple polyphenols combat visceral (belly) fat, balance cholesterol, and support healthy blood sugar-- and strengthen your body’s defense against cellular and molecular stress.

Clinical trials report reductions in LDL, abdominal fat, and pro-inflammatory markers, alongside improvements in HDL and antioxidant defense, with excellent safety profiles.

Apple polyphenols do more than just treat symptoms; they rewire key metabolic pathways, suggesting potential for prevention, recovery, and longevity.

Apple Poly Summary:

Why is this study important? This review connects the old adage “an apple a day” with modern molecular science. It offers evidence that apple polyphenols could play a meaningful role in managing chronic diseases that affect millions— obesity, diabetes, and liver disorders— through food-based, accessible strategies. It clearly illustrates that polyphenols are the principal reason for the wide-ranging health benefits of apples.

In Plain English: Apple polyphenols are powerful plant nutrients that improve how your body handles fat and sugar (metabolism). They can reduce harmful inflammation, boost energy use in your cells, and support liver and heart health. Research shows that eating apples regularly or taking apple-based supplements may help manage weight and protect against diabetes and fatty liver disease.

For Health Professionals: This comprehensive review synthesizes findings across in vitro, in vivo, and early clinical studies on the role of apple polyphenols (AP) in metabolic health. APs demonstrate strong antioxidant effects by activating Nrf2, SIRT1, and AMPK, while downregulating inflammatory mediators like NF-κB and MAPK. They also modulate lipid metabolism, inhibit hepatic lipogenesis, and improve insulin sensitivity. Multiple molecular targets and physiological systems are involved, supporting APs as candidates for integrative management of obesity, diabetes, and liver dysfunction.

Abstract:

Recent studies suggest that chronic illness like obesity, diabetes, vascular inflammation, and liver diseases are on the rise. However, daily consumption of fruits and vegetables may prevent chronic and non-communicable diseases. Evidences also showed that Polyphenol-based treatment strategies could cure, prevent, and manage chronic illnesses; therefore, gained popularity as the alternative therapeutic option throughout the world.

In this current study, a detailed search was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, and Google scholar, and brought together the articles on Apple polyphenols (AP), obesity, diabetes-mediated liver dysfunction and using the relevant keywords.

Several biochemical studies have already reported that AP possesses strong anti-oxidant properties, thereby, reduces free radical generation, prevents oxidative-mediated organ dysfunction, decreases lipid peroxidation products, and advanced glycation end-products. Furthermore, when applied in in-vitro models, AP decreases harmful lipid accumulation, manages glucose level, and helps in cell survival.

Besides, cellular fuels like Adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase, nuclear respiratory factor, and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor have been found to be enhanced; concurrently, unwanted harmful cytokines such as Nuclear Factor-κB, Toll-Like Receptors, and Activator Protein are also observed abated.

In human trials, AP-based treatment approaches have been performing extremely well in reducing harmful lipids, preventing nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, controlling blood glucose level, countering drug-induced hepatic dysfunctions, and minimizing Adverse Drug Reactions-related problems.

Overall, AP-derived phytonutrients should extensively be considered for the safety of larger clinical evaluations and as prospective lead compounds for further drug design and development process.

Journal: Oxidants and Antioxidants in Medical Science, DOI: 10.5455/oams.20180704100222