Arugula nanovesicles counteract diet-induced obesity and modulate gut inflammation and microbiota in vivo

Plant-derived vesicles (PDVs) have emerged as natural nanocarriers reflecting the phytochemical profile of their plant source. PDVs obtained from Eruca sativa leaves (ALVs) were previously shown to be safe and to exert glucose-, lipid- and cholesterol-lowering effects in vivo. In the present study, ALVs exhibited a protein corona enriched in serum albumin, immunoglobulins and apolipoproteins, suggesting favorable stability and biological interactions. In mice, ALVs efficiently protected their cargo and preferentially accumulated in intestinal and hepatic tissues. Their administration in mice significantly reduced body weight gain and adiposity induced by a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Moreover, ALVs modulated gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial bacterial genera and reducing dysbiosis-associated taxa. At the intestinal level, ALVs strengthened barrier integrity and exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects induced by HFHF diet. Overall, these findings support ALVs as promising bioactive nanostructures to improve intestinal health and weight management.