Effects of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus on improvement in glucolipid metabolic diseases

Glucolipid metabolic disorders have become a major public health concern. This study aims to investigate the potential of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts to regulate glucolipid metabolic disorders in mice, elucidate their underlying mechanisms, and provide innovative insights for the prevention and treatment of glucolipid metabolic diseases. Strains were screened, and the fermentation process was optimized by measuring changes in total flavonoid content in the fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts. The antioxidant capacity of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts was investigated via in vitro free radical scavenging efficiency assays. A mouse model of lipid metabolism disorders was established through a high-fat diet, with metformin serving as the positive control. The efficacy of high-dose and low-dose Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts was evaluated via glucose tolerance tests, biochemical indicators, and histological section staining. The outcomes of the in vitro experiments demonstrate that combined fermentation of Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus plantarum can effectively increase the flavonoid content in the Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus fermentation supernatant and enhance its antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, at the animal experiment level, we found that Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts improved insulin resistance, enhanced fat metabolism, and alleviated liver damage caused by oxidative stress. Our research demonstrates that fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus exhibits a stronger effect than Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus in improving insulin resistance, fat metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, potentially due to increased levels of active ingredients such as total flavonoids. This finding provides a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of glucolipid metabolic diseases.