Flavonoid-Rich Cocoa Extract Alleviates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Liver Dysfunction Induced by High-Fat Diets in Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: The escalating prevalence of metabolic disorders associated with high-fat diets emphasizes the necessity for effective nutritional interventions. Cocoa flavonoid-rich aqueous extract (CHFAE), known for its polyphenolic richness, emerges as a promising therapeutic option. This study investigates CHFAE's impact on antioxidant, inflammatory, and liver enzyme bio-markers in Wistar rats subjected to a 12-week high-fat diet. Materials and Methods: Rats were grouped into a normal diet (Group 1), normal diet with 600 mg/kg cocoa flavonoid extract (Group 2), a high-fat diet with 600 mg/kg cocoa flavonoid extract (Group 3), and an untreated high-fat diet (Group 4). CHFAE was administered orally for 14 days. After the period of the experiment, biomarkers of oxidative stress such as SOD, CAT, GSH, and lipid peroxidation’s index MDA were assayed. Also, liver function parameters such as AST, ALT, and ALP were quantified, and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, and TNF-α were assayed. The data were presented as mean ± standard error. One-way ANOVA was employed to assess statistical differences between groups, followed by Tukey's post hoc test for individual comparisons. A 95% confidence interval was applied, and results with P < 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Results: Results showed a significant increase in GSH, SOD, and CAT levels and a concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation’s MDA index compared to controls and untreated high-fat diet rats. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and liver function biomarkers (AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, total protein) showed significant reduction in CHAFE-treated rats compared with control. Conclusion: This study suggests that CHFAE may effectively combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver dysfunction caused by high-fat diets, encouraging further exploration for potential health-promoting functional foods or supplements.