Coffee pulp simulated digestion enhances its in vitro ability to decrease emulsification and digestion of fats, and...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Coffee pulp (CP) is a rich source of bioactive compounds like caffeine, phenolic compounds, and dietary fiber.
• These compounds are implicated in regulating lipid homeostasis, crucial for human health.
• Understanding the hypolipidemic potential of CP derivatives is vital for developing functional foods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of coffee pulp flour (CPF) and aqueous extract (CPE).
• To assess their in vitro capacity to reduce fat digestion and absorption.
• To determine their lipid-lowering effects in HepG2 cells post-simulated digestion.

Main Methods:

• Simulated static digestion of CPF and CPE.
• In vitro assessment of micellar cholesterol solubility and bile acid binding.
• Inhibition assays for lipase and HMGCR enzymes.
• Evaluation of lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells treated with palmitic acid.

Main Results:

• Digested CPF and CPE fractions reduced micellar cholesterol solubility (27-34%) and bound secondary bile acids (22-30%).
• Primary bile acid binding increased 2.4-2.7 fold; lipase and HMGCR inhibition was significant (77-79% and 36-85%).
• CPF and CPE counteracted intracellular triglyceride and cholesterol accumulation in hepatic cells.

Conclusions:

• CPF and CPE exhibit in vitro hypolipidemic properties, modulating lipid metabolism.
• Phenolic compounds, caffeine, and dietary fiber likely contribute to these effects.
• CP derivatives show potential as functional ingredients for preventing hepatic lipid accumulation.