Potato extract
Also known as: Potato extract, potato peel extract, sweet potato extract, SPE, Ipomoea batatas extract, Solanum tuberosum extract
Overview
Potato extract is a concentrated preparation derived from the tubers or peels of *Solanum tuberosum* (common potato) or *Ipomoea batatas* (sweet potato). It contains various bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, glycoalkaloids, and starch derivatives, which contribute to its potential health benefits. Primarily investigated for its role in metabolic health, potato extract is explored for its effects on obesity, lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and cardiovascular risk modulation. Key characteristics include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to inhibit enzymes like pancreatic lipase. While preclinical research, particularly with sweet potato extract (SPE), shows promising results in animal models for improving metabolic markers, the research maturity level is early to moderate. High-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on potato extract supplements are limited, with most human data coming from observational studies on general potato consumption.
Benefits
Preclinical studies, particularly with sweet potato extract (SPE), have shown significant benefits in improving metabolic health. In high-fat diet-induced obese mice, SPE significantly reduced lipid accumulation, including triglycerides and total cholesterol, and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. This suggests potential anti-obesity effects, partly due to the inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity, which reduces fat absorption. While these animal studies demonstrate robust effects, human evidence for potato extract supplements is scarce. Observational human studies on general potato consumption have found no consistent association between total potato intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, some evidence suggests that fried potato intake may increase cardiometabolic risk. Therefore, while SPE shows promise in animal models for conditions like diet-induced obesity, the benefits for humans, especially regarding cardiovascular health, are not yet conclusively established for the extract form.
How it works
Potato extract exerts its effects primarily through the modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. One key mechanism involves the inhibition of pancreatic lipase, an enzyme crucial for fat digestion. By inhibiting this enzyme, potato extract can reduce the absorption of dietary fats, thereby contributing to anti-obesity effects. Additionally, the extract's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce lipid accumulation and hepatic steatosis (fatty liver). These actions collectively contribute to the regulation of metabolic processes in the liver and adipose tissue, influencing overall lipid and glucose homeostasis. The bioactive compounds within the extract, such as polyphenols and glycoalkaloids, are believed to interact with these metabolic pathways, though their specific bioavailability can vary.
Side effects
Potato extracts are generally considered safe in preclinical models, but human safety data, especially for concentrated extracts, are limited. Common side effects are not well-documented for extracts, though general potato consumption is considered safe. Uncommon side effects could potentially include glycoalkoid toxicity at very high doses, although this has not been established for typical extract consumption. Allergic reactions are possible but rare. There are no well-documented drug interactions or established contraindications for potato extract. However, caution is advised for individuals who may be sensitive to glycoalkaloids, compounds naturally present in potatoes, particularly in green or sprouting potatoes. The overall safety profile for concentrated potato extract supplements in humans requires further research.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose and optimal dosage ranges for potato extract in humans have not been established due to a lack of human clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized specific doses of extracts, but these cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Similarly, the maximum safe dose and optimal timing considerations for intake are currently unknown. When considering potato extract supplements, it is generally recommended to use extracts standardized for their bioactive content. Absorption factors, such as co-administration with fats, might influence the bioavailability of certain compounds within the extract, but specific guidelines are not available. No specific cofactors are known to be required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is potato extract effective for weight loss?
Preclinical evidence, particularly from animal studies, suggests that sweet potato extract may have potential for weight loss by inhibiting fat absorption. However, human randomized controlled trial data are currently lacking to confirm this effect.
Is potato extract safe?
Potato extracts are generally considered safe in animal models. For humans, safety data for concentrated extracts are limited, but typical dietary potato consumption is safe. High-dose safety is not yet fully established.
Does potato extract reduce cardiovascular risk?
There is no conclusive evidence from human studies that potato extract reduces cardiovascular risk. Observational data on total potato intake show no clear benefit or harm, except for potential risks associated with fried forms.
How long before effects appear?
In animal studies, effects of potato extract have been observed within weeks. However, due to insufficient human data, the time course for potential benefits in humans is not yet known.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1016020/full – This preclinical study investigated sweet potato extract (SPE) in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. It found that SPE significantly reduced lipid accumulation, improved glucose and lipid metabolism, and inhibited pancreatic lipase activity, suggesting its potential as an anti-obesity agent. The study highlights the metabolic benefits of SPE in an animal model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11820226/ – This meta-analysis of five US cohorts examined the association between potato consumption and cardiovascular disease risk. It concluded that there was no consistent association between total potato intake and CVD risk after adjusting for confounders, indicating that general potato consumption does not appear to significantly impact CVD risk.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39527022/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the relationship between potato intake and cardiometabolic outcomes. It reported conflicting evidence but noted that fried potato intake was associated with an increased risk of obesity and hypertension, suggesting that the preparation method of potatoes can influence health outcomes.
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