Effectiveness of "Moro" Blood Orange Citrus sinensis Osbeck (Rutaceae) Standardized Extract on Weight Loss in Overweight but Otherwise Healthy Men and Women-A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a blood orange Citrus sinensis standardized extract from “Moro” cultivar, on weight loss in overweight but otherwise healthy individuals. Anthocyanins and particularly cyanidin 3-glucoside, found in a large variety of fruits including Sicilian blood oranges, can help to counteract weight gain and to reduce body fat accumulation through the modulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic pathways. In this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study, all participants (overweight adults aged 20−65 years old) were randomized to receive either Moro blood orange standardized extract or a placebo daily for 6-months. The primary outcome measure was change in body mass and body composition at the end of the study. After 6-months, body mass (4.2% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.015), body mass index (p = 0.019), hip (3.4 cm vs. 2.0 cm, p = 0.049) and waist (3.9 cm vs. 1.7 cm, p = 0.017) circumferences, fat mass (p = 0.012) and fat distribution (visceral and subcutaneous fat p = 0.018 and 0.006, respectively) were all significantly better in the extract supplemented group compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). In addition, all safety markers of liver toxicity were within the normal range throughout the study for both analyzed groups. Concluding, the present study demonstrates that Moro blood orange standardized extract may be a safe and effective option for helping with weight loss when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Keywords: BMI; body mass; cyanidin 3-glucoside; fat distribution; flavonoids; physical activity.

Figure 1

Participant Flow Diagram.

Figure 2

Change in body weight over 6 months for all participants; * Indicates significant difference between groups (p < 0.05) in ITT analysis (active n = 65, placebo n = 71). † Indicates significant difference between groups for sub-group participants (BMI > 25–30) in ITT analysis (active n = 48, placebo n = 54); # indicates significant difference between groups for sub-group participants (BMI > 25–30) in pp analysis (active n = 30, placebo n = 38).

Figure 3

Change in waist (A) and hip (B) circumference (cm) at month 3 and 6 for all participants; * indicates significant difference between groups (p < 0.05) in ITT analysis (active n = 65, placebo n = 71); † indicates significant difference between groups for sub-group participants (BMI > 25–30) in ITT analysis (active n = 48, placebo n = 54); # indicates significant difference between groups for sub-group participants (BMI > 25–30) in pp analysis (active n = 30, placebo n = 38).

Figure 4

Change in Body weight (A) and BMI (B) at month 3 and 6 for all participants; * indicates significant difference between groups (p < 0.05) in ITT analysis (active n = 65, placebo n = 71); † indicates significant difference between groups for sub-group participants (BMI > 25–30) in ITT analysis (active n = 48, placebo n = 54); # indicates significant difference between groups for sub-group participants (BMI > 25–30) in pp analysis (active n = 30, placebo n = 38).