The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L), a traditional Mediterranean plant, stands out as a promising natural solution in the fight against obesity and diabetes, two major public health issues worldwide. This plant is rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and various bioactive compounds that act synergistically to prevent and reduce the metabolic imbalances associated with these pathologies. Among its assets, carob promotes satiety, reduces fat absorption, and positively modulates intestinal microbiota, key mechanisms for improving weight management and blood-sugar regulation.
On the metabolic front, carob extracts help regulate blood sugar and insulin, thereby limiting the complications associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The underlying biological mechanisms include the inhibition of the digestive enzymes responsible for the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates and lipids, resulting in improved glycemic stability and a significant reduction in caloric intake. The dietary fibers contained in carob play an important satiety-enhancing role, reducing the sensation of hunger and promoting better food management.
In addition, the modulation of the intestinal microbiota by carob bioactive compounds improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, enhancing energy balance. Its powerful antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, two key factors in the pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes. Carob also acts on fat metabolism by stimulating lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat) and inhibiting lipogenesis (the formation of new fat).
These multiple properties position the carob tree as an essential resource for the development of natural and sustainable therapies against obesity, diabetes, and their associated complications. This study highlights the potential biomedical applications of carob extracts, offering an innovative and ecological perspective for the prevention and management of these metabolic disorders in an integrative and sustainable approach.