Carbohydrate-Rich Extract from Pereskia aculeata Leaves: In Vitro Prebiotic-Related Properties and Metabolic Effects in an Experimental Model of Obesity

Pereskia aculeata Mill. is a leafy cactus native to Brazil, whose leaves are traditionally used as food and are characterized by high nutritional value and significant mucilage content. This study aimed to evaluate the functional potential of the carbohydrate-rich extract obtained from leaves and to investigate its metabolic effects in obese male rats subjected to a litter-size reduction model. The extract was chemically characterized by physicochemical analysis and FTIR-MIR spectroscopy, which revealed spectral features consistent with arabinogalactan-type carbohydrates (absorption bands between 1,000 and 1,050 cm⁻¹). In vitro assays demonstrated antioxidant activity, with DPPH radical inhibition exceeding 60% and nitric oxide reduction exceeding 30%. In addition to promoting the growth of lactic acid bacteria in culture medium supplemented with the extract, it also showed antagonistic activity against selected Gram-negative pathogens. FTIR-MIR analysis during an in vitro gastrointestinal simulation indicated relative spectral stability. In vivo, obese rats were supplemented with the extract for 75 days (0.3%, w/v, in drinking water; 300 mg/kg body weight/day). Supplemented animals showed a reduction in visceral adiposity (-20%) and serum triglycerides (-31%) compared to obese controls (p < 0.05). The obesity model increased fasting blood glucose by approximately 19%, and supplementation reduced blood glucose by approximately 10%. Data were analyzed using appropriate parametric tests (p < 0.05). Liver parameters and histological analyses indicated protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Overall, these results corroborate the functional potential of carbohydrate fractions and provide a basis for future studies addressing microbiota-mediated mechanisms and metabolic effects.