Encapsulated coffee parchment extracts mitigate fructose-induced liver injury: linking agro-industrial waste valorization to environmental and metabolic health

Excessive fructose consumption is a major dietary risk factor associated with metabolic disorders, including liver diseases. In parallel, agro-industrial activities generate by-products, such as coffee parchment, which remain underutilized. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of coffee parchment extracts, with particular emphasis on encapsulation, in a fructose-induced metabolic disorder model. Fructose enriched drink (20%, W/V) was used to induce obesity. After 8 weeks, obese Wistar rats received parchment extracts, encapsulated or not (100 mg/kg/day). Anthropometric parameters, lipids, liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and hepatic histology were evaluated. Fructose consumption induced significant weight gain, dyslipidemia, increased liver weight, enhanced fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity, and pronounced oxidative and nitrosative stress. Histological analysis confirmed hepatic steatosis and cellular alterations. Treatment with parchment extracts significantly improved these parameters, with a more pronounced effect observed with encapsulated extract. Encapsulation enhanced the reduction of lipid abnormalities, restored antioxidant defenses, decreased FAS activity, and preserved hepatic architecture. These findings highlight the dual relevance of this approach in environmental and public health. The valorization of coffee parchment as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds, combined with encapsulation technology, represents a promising strategy for developing functional nutraceuticals aimed at preventing metabolic disorders while reducing agro-industrial waste.