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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Aug 11:11:494.
doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00494. eCollection 2020.

Randomized Clinical Trial: Bergamot Citrus and Wild Cardoon Reduce Liver Steatosis and Body Weight in Non-diabetic Individuals Aged Over 50 Years

Yvelise Ferro  1 , Tiziana Montalcini  2 , Elisa Mazza  3 , Daniela Foti  1 , Elvira Angotti  2 , Micaela Gliozzi  1 , Saverio Nucera  1 , Sara Paone  1 , Ezio Bombardelli  4 , Ilaria Aversa  2 , Vincenzo Musolino  1 , Vincenzo Mollace  1 , Arturo Pujia  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Randomized Clinical Trial: Bergamot Citrus and Wild Cardoon Reduce Liver Steatosis and Body Weight in Non-diabetic Individuals Aged Over 50 Years

Yvelise Ferro et al. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). .

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the world. However, no effective pharmacological treatment for this condition has been found. Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of a nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot citrus and wild cardoon as a treatment for individuals with fatty liver disease. The primary outcome measure was the change in liver fat content. Methods: A total of 102 patients with liver steatosis were enrolled in a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. The intervention group received a nutraceutical containing a Bergamot polyphenol fraction and Cynara Cardunculus extract, 300 mg/day for 12 weeks. The control group received a placebo daily. Liver fat content, by transient elastography, serum transaminases, lipids and glucose were measured at the baseline and the end of the study. Results: We found a greater liver fat content reduction in the participants taking the nutraceutical rather than placebo (-48.2 ± 39 vs. -26.9 ± 43 dB/m, p = 0.02); The percentage CAP score reduction was statistically significant in those with android obesity, overweight/obesity as well as in women. However, after adjustment for weight change, the percentage CAP score reduction was statistically significant only in those over 50 years (44 vs. 78% in placebo and nutraceutical, respectively, p = 0.007). Conclusions: This specific nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot and wild cardoon reduced the liver fat content during 12 weeks in individuals with liver steatosis over 50 years. If confirmed, this nutraceutical could become the cornerstone treatment of patients affected by liver steatosis. Clinical Trial Registration: www.isrctn.com, identifier ISRCTN12833814.

Keywords: flavonoids; lipid; liver elastography; liver steatosis; nutraceuticals.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow-chart of the study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Individual CAP score reduction according to the treatments.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Non-improvement or progression liver steatosis risk.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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