Ougan (Citrus suavissima Hort. ex Tanaka) pomace dietary fibers alleviate high fat diet-induced obesity in mice by regulating intestinal microbiota

This study focuses on functional value of the common waste, in the citrus juice industry - pomace. Currently, the extraction of citrus dietary fiber (DF) mainly originates from the peel and studies have shown that both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) have good hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects, while the DF resources in pomace have not been fully developed. The study innovatively explored the continuous extraction of SDF and IDF from pomace of Ougan (Citrus suavissima Hort. ex Tanaka) fruit and their inhibitive effects on high fat diet-induced obesity in mice. After 10 weeks of dietary intervention, the serum biochemical indicators, inflammatory factors, histopathological changes, and diversity and composition of intestinal flora in the mice were analyzed. The results showed that both SDF and IDF could effectively reduce body weight and lower blood lipid levels in mice, with SDF showing a more significant effect. In addition, these two dietary fibers also significantly reduced the expression of TNF-alpha, with a weaker effect on IL-6 and IL-10, effectively alleviating pathological symptoms such as liver steatosis, kidney inflammation, and fat cell hypertrophy. SDF mainly increased the abundance of probiotic lactobacillus, while IDF significantly enriched short-chain fatty acid saltsproducing Clostridium bacteria. The findings offered an important foundation for the utilization and development of Ougan pomace resource for human wellness, especially for the overweight or obese.