Curcuma longa L. Supplementation Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance in Rats Submitted to Fructose Consumption

Aim To evaluate the effect of Curcuma longa L. supplementation on hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in animals submitted to fructose consumption. Methods 36 male Wistar rats (30 days of age) were used. Initially, the animals were assigned to receive standard diet + water (C group, n = 12) or standard diet + water with 30% fructose (F group, n = 24) for 16 weeks. After this period, rats were assigned into 3 groups to receive water or Curcuma longa L. (80 mg) via gavage for 8 weeks: Control (C group, n=12), Fructose (F group, n=12) and Frutose + Curcuma longa (F+CL group, n=12). Food (FC) and water (WC) consumption were measured daily and body weight (BW) weekly. At week 24, all animals were euthanized. Blood samples were collected for biochemical assays: plasma triglycerides (TG). Insulin resistance was calculated according to homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Steatosis was assessed in hematoxylin‐eosin stained liver sections. Statistical analysis were performed with ANOVA one way, p<0,05. Results There was no significant difference among the final weight (FW) and TG of the groups (p>0,05). About the comorbidities, fructose elevated the levels of HOMA‐IR in F group and Curcuma longa L. supplementantion improved this parameter (C = 9,80 ± 5,5; F = 25,72 ± 10,41; F+CL = 12,77 ± 5). Histological analysis revealed steatosis in F group characterized by the presence of larger drops. At the same time, in F+CL group supplementation was able to improve steatosis since it was possible to verify smaller drops. C group didn't show liver alterations. Conclusion The results showed that Curcuma longa L. is effective in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance leaded by fructose consumption. Support or Funding Information Fapesp 2016/18461‐2