Effects of β-cryptoxanthin-fortified satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) juice on liver function and the serum lipid profile

Abstract

β-Cryptoxanthin (β-CRY) is a carotenoid pigment especially found in satsuma mandarins (Citrus unshiu Marc). Recent epidemiologic studies have reported inverse associations of serum β-CRY with the risk for cancer, diabetes and liver dysfunction. This double-blinded, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of β-CRY-fortified mandarin juice on liver function and the serum lipid profile. At total of 26 obese male subjects with mild dyslipidemia received mandarin juice fortified without (n = 13) or with β-CRY (n = 13) once a day for up to 8 weeks. After the intake of mandarin juice for 4 and 8 weeks, a significant increase in serum β-CRY was observed in both groups ; the level was notable for the β-CRY-fortified juice group. Serum alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase levels in the β-CRY-fortifled juice group were significantly lower at 8 weeks than those at 4 weeks. Cross-sectional analysis showed significant inverse correlations between serum liver enzyme and serum β-CRY concentrations at 4 and 8 weeks ; there were no correlations at baseline. These inverse correlations were more evident at 8 weeks. Moreover, serum HDL-and LDL-cholesterol levels in the β-CRY-fortified juice group were decreased after 8 weeks, but were not significant different from the non-fortified juice group. These results suggest that intake of β-CRY-rich mandarin juice may be effective for improving liver function.