Effect of guarana seed powder on cholesterol absorption in vitro and in Caco-2 cells

Author(s)

Figueira, Marcela de Souza ; Soares, Maiara Jurema ; Soares-Freitas, Rosana Aparecida Manolio ; Sampaio, Geni Rodrigues ; Pinaffi-Langley, Ana Clara da Costa ; dos Santos, Orquidea Vasconcelos ; De Camargo, Adriano Costa ; Rogero, Marcelo Macedo ; Torres, Elizabeth Aparecida Ferraz da Silva

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Food Research International; v. 162, p. 9-pg., 2022-10-06.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease risk is related to oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia. Guarana seed powder con-tains flavanols that possess antioxidant properties and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, the molecular mechanism through which guarana seed powder may decrease cholesterol uptake from the intestinal lumen remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of guarana powder aqueous extract on cholesterol absorption mechanisms. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, we performed assays to determine enzymatic inhibitory capacity, bile acid binding capacity, and cholesterol micellar solubilization. Caco-2 cells were used for permeation and protein identification assays. Digested guarana powder extract inhibited pancreatic lipase in a dose-dependent manner (half-maximal inhibitory capacity: 1.033 mu g/mL) and, at a con-centration of 1 mg/mL, bound 45.63 % of sodium taurocholate and decreased cholesterol micellar solubilization by 10.14 %. Moreover, incubation with the extract reduced cholesterol absorption by Caco-2 cells and decreased intracellular cholesterol transporter levels. These results indicate that guarana seed powder have potential ap-plications for blood cholesterol management, presenting hypocholesterolemic effects owing to the presence of bioacessible polyphenols. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/20039-0 - Effects of guaraná (Paullinia cupana) on lipid metabolism and bioacessibility of its polyphenols in genes related to the absorption of cholesterol in Caco-2 cells
• Grantee: Elizabeth Aparecida Ferraz da Silva Torres
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants