Effect of Calafate (Berberis microphylla) Intake on Plasma Atherogenic Indices in Rats With High-Sucrose Diet–Induced Obesity

Sep 29, 2026

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Cardiovascular diseases are strongly linked to obesity and sedentary behavior, with dyslipidemia playing a central role in early disease mechanisms. This study evaluated the effects of calafate (Berberis microphylla) supplementation on lipid profiles and atherogenic indices in rats with high-sucrose diet–induced obesity. Sprague Dawley rats received a high-sucrose diet and freeze-dried calafate (350 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks. Compared with controls, calafate increased HDL-c and total cholesterol and reduced atherogenic and glucose–triglyceride indices, supporting improved cardiovascular risk markers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Cardiovascular risk, obesity, and lipid metabolism

High-sucrose diet models and atherogenic indices

Cholesterol distribution, residual risk, and dietary polyphenols

Background and study rationale

Wiley Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism Volume 2026, Article ID 8845471, 11 pages [https://doi.org/10.1155/jnme/8845471](https://doi.org/10.1155/jnme/8845471) Research Article Effect of Calafate (Berberis microphylla) Intake on Plasma Atherogenic Indices in Rats With High-Sucrose Diet–Induced Obesity Carla Guzmn-Pincheira , 1 Gabriel Araujo-Silva ,2 and Raul Snchez-Gutirrez 3 1Escuela Nutrici´on y Diet´e tica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Rehabilitaci ´o n y Calidad de Vida, Universidad San Sebasti ´an, Lientur 1457, Concepci´on, Chile 2 Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory, State University of Amap ´a (UEAP), Macap´a 68900070, Amap´a, Brazil 3 Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientifc and Technological Bioresource (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile Correspondence should be addressed to Carla Guzm´an-Pincheira; [carla.guzman@uss.cl](carla.guzman@uss.cl) Received 22 September 2024; Revised 19 September 2025; Accepted 15 December 2025 Academic Editor: Roxana Vald´es-Ramos Copyright © 2026 Carla Guzm´an-Pincheira et al. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Tisisan open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are multifactorial conditions strongly linked to elevated obesity rates and sedentary lifestyle; among the contributing mechanisms, alterations in lipid metabolism—particularly dyslipidemia—play a central role in their pathogenesis. Te present study aimed to evaluate the efects of calafate (Berberis microphylla) supplementation on the lipid profle and atherogenic indices in rats with obesity induced by a high-sucrose diet. Sprague Dawley rats received a high-sucrose diet and were supplemented with 350 mg/kg/day of freeze-dried calafate for 10 weeks (BM group) . Dietary intake, plasma glucose, lipid parameters, and cardiovascular risk indices were assessed. Compared to controls, calafate-supplemented rats showed a signifcant increase in HDL-c and total cholesterol, with the latter showing a 166% elevation. Additionally, calafate intake was associated with a marked decrease in the atherogenic index and the glucose–triglyceride index, suggesting an improvement in cardiovascular risk markers. Tese fndings support the potential cardioprotective and antithrombotic properties of calafate, reinforcing its relevance as a functional food. Keywords: atherogenic index; calafate berry; HDL cholesterol; high-sucrose diet; polyphenols 1. Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently considered a global epidemic, with an estimated prevalence of 423 million cases [1] and approximately 20.5 million deaths per year [2] . Although multifactorial in origin, CVDs are strongly associated with high rates of obesity and sedentary behavior. Among the contributing factors, alterations or disturbances in lipid metabolism, particularly those leading to dyslipidemia, play a main role in the early pathophysiological processes underlying these conditions [3] . Consequently, the studies and developments of new efective therapies to modulate lipid profles and reduce cardiovascular risk (CVR) remain a major area of scientifc interest. Dietary models based on high-sucrose intake have been widely used to induce obesity and related metabolic alterations in rodents, particularly in rats [4] . Tis approach mimics essential features of human obesity by promoting increased energy consumption, body weight gain, and disruptions in lipid metabolism. High-sucrose diets have been shown to elevate plasma triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol, and reduce high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels, thereby contributing to the development of an atherogenic profle [4, 5] . Moreover, these changes are 2 Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism often accompanied by elev

FAQs

What was the goal of the study on calafate in obese rats?

To assess whether calafate supplementation could improve lipid profiles and plasma atherogenic indices in rats with high-sucrose diet–induced obesity.

How was obesity induced and how was calafate administered?

Rats received a high-sucrose diet and were supplemented with 350 mg/kg/day of freeze-dried calafate for 10 weeks.

What changes did calafate cause in cardiovascular risk-related biomarkers?

Calafate increased HDL-c and total cholesterol and decreased the atherogenic index and the glucose–triglyceride (TyG) index, indicating improved cardiovascular risk markers.

Sep 29, 2026

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