A Combined Turmeric and Allspice Supplement Improves Metabolic Health in Obese Rats by Reducing Carbohydrate and Lipid Absorption.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of a combined turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and allspice (Pimenta dioica L. Merril) supplement (TAS), on obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance through inhibition of carbohydrate and lipid absorption. In vitro assessments demonstrated that TAS inhibits key enzymes implicated in the carbohydrate and lipid absorption. Oral starch and lipid tolerance tests showed that combined supplement reduced lipid (∼47% TAS) and carbohydrate absorption (∼33%) compared to the negative control. In a 36-week diet-induced obesity model, intervention with TAS was found that reduced body weight gain (∼18%), lower triglycerides (∼35%), and fasting glucose levels (∼14%) compared to obese control. Furthermore, TAS-treated rats showed reduced oral glucose tolerance test values (∼25%), insulin levels (∼14%), and insulin resistance (∼14%). Our results suggest that TAS enhances carbohydrate and lipid absorption while effectively improving hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in obese rats.