Untargeted Metabolomics and Chemometrics Elucidate Dynamic Plasma Profile Changes Induced by Cocoa Shell in Female...

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cocoa shell extract (CSE) is a byproduct rich in bioactive compounds.
• Understanding the metabolic impact of CSE supplementation is crucial for its application as a functional food ingredient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of CSE supplementation on the plasma metabolome of female rats.
• To identify bioavailable compounds from CSE and their metabolic pathways.

Main Methods:

• Female rats were supplemented with CSE (250 mg/kg/day) for seven days.
• Plasma samples were analyzed using untargeted liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF).
• Metabolomic profiling was performed at baseline, day 4, and day 7.

Main Results:

• 244 plasma metabolites and 180 CSE metabolites were identified; 21 were common.
• Caffeine, theobromine, and N-isovaleroylglycine were bioavailable after CSE supplementation.
• Upregulated pathways included caffeine metabolism and glycerophospholipid biosynthesis; downregulated pathways involved tryptophan and glutathione.

Conclusions:

• CSE supplementation rapidly modulates the plasma metabolome, demonstrating the bioavailability of its key components.
• Findings suggest CSE's potential as a functional ingredient supporting cognitive and metabolic health via energy metabolism and neurotransmission pathways.