Effects of jabuticaba, a Brazilian berry, on obesity, metabolic parameters, and gut health in high-fat diet animal models: A systematic review

Abstract

Obesity induces metabolic disturbances, chronic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and related diseases. Functional foods rich in bioactive compounds are promising strategies to modulate some of these metabolic pathways. Brazil hosts one of the most biodiverse floras in the world, with native fruits rich in bioactive compounds that remain underexplored. Among these, jabuticaba (Plinia spp.), a Brazilian berry, is rich in phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, which confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether jabuticaba consumption can attenuate the changes caused by a high-fat diet on obesity-related outcomes in vivo. Following PRISMA guidelines, 323 articles were identified from four databases, and 21 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Interventions included jabuticaba powder or extracts from the whole fruit or peel. Findings showed that jabuticaba intake reduced inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in adipose tissue, liver, colon, and skeletal muscle, improved insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance. Additionally, it reduced weight gain and adiposity, promoted improvements in the blood lipid profile, reduced hepatic steatosis, modulated fecal pH and lipid content, strengthened the intestinal barrier, and remodeled the gut microbiota. Although studies show promising metabolic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of jabuticaba in obesity models, variability in study designs, dosages, and intervention protocols limits comparability. Evidence on bioavailability and mechanisms remains scarce. Further research is needed to confirm the safety, efficacy, and bioavailability of jabuticaba in humans. This review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024599910).