The extract from unripe mandarins accelerates fat breakdown.
Korean researchers have discovered that an extract from unripe mandarins Citrus unshiu can block the formation of fat cells and accelerate fat breakdown. The results of the study were published in the journal PLOS ONE.
In laboratory experiments on adipose tissue cells, the extract significantly reduced the number of fat droplets and the activity of genes responsible for converting regular cells into fat cells. The hexane fraction of the extract showed the strongest effect: it decreased the production of proteins associated with lipid accumulation and activated enzymes that initiate fat burning.
The scientists found that the effect is achieved thanks to the flavonoids tangeretin and nobiletin, as well as phytol—substances found in unripe citrus fruits. These compounds activate the enzyme AMPK, which regulates energy metabolism, and block signals that promote the growth of fat cells. Additionally, the extract enhanced the natural process of lipolysis—fat breakdown with the release of glycerol.
The authors note that while this is currently about cellular studies, the results indicate the potential for creating natural means for obesity prevention based on unripe mandarins. In the future, the researchers plan to test the extract's effects on animals and humans to assess its efficacy and safety.
