A Molecule Found in Citrus Fruits Could Be a Secret Weapon to Rejuvenate The Liver

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Scientists have identified a naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits that may help reverse signs of liver aging. Researchers from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan studied hesperetin, a flavonoid present in lemons, limes, and oranges, focusing on its potential to restore liver health in aging organisms. The liver performs approximately 500 vital functions daily, but its regenerative abilities decline as the body ages, making it vulnerable to fatty liver disease and other conditions.

In their experiment, researchers administered hesperetin to naturally aged mice over a five-month period. The compound worked by activating a gene called CISD2, which supports liver and metabolic health but decreases during aging. Treated mice showed dramatic improvements: their liver CISD2 levels matched those of young mice, while markers of liver damage including fatty deposits, cellular deterioration, and inflammation all significantly decreased. Gene expression analysis revealed the citrus compound shifted the aging livers toward a more youthful state.

To confirm the mechanism, researchers tested genetically modified mice lacking the CISD2 gene and found hesperetin was largely ineffective in these animals, confirming the compound’s dependence on this specific pathway. A separate analysis of human liver tissue samples revealed that PPARα and CISD2 expression similarly decline with age in people, suggesting the findings may eventually apply to human health.

While further research is necessary before clinical applications can be considered, the study provides preliminary evidence that hesperetin could represent a promising strategy for combating age-related liver disease.

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Originally reported by Sciencealert →