The effects of grape seed extract supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors, liver enzymes and hepatic steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Despite the high antioxidant potential of grape seed extract (GSE), very limited studies have investigated its effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of GSE on metabolic factors, blood pressure and steatosis severity in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 50 NAFLD patients were divided into two groups of 25 participants who were treated with 520 mg/day of GSE or the placebo group for 2 months. The parameters of glycemic, lipid profile, blood pressure and steatohepatitis were measured before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

The GSE group had an average age of 43.52 ± 8.12 years with 15 women and 10 men, while the placebo group had an average age of 44.88 ± 10.14 years with 11 women and 14 men. After 2 months of intervention with GSE, it was observed that insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-c, ALT, AST, AST/ALT, SBP, DBP and MAP decreased and QUICKi and HDL-c increased significantly (p-value for all < 0.05). Also, before and after adjustment based on baseline, the average changes indicated that the levels of insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-c, SBP, DBP, MAP in the GSE group decreased more than in the control group (p for all < 0.05). Furthermore, the changes in HDL-c were significantly higher in the GSE group (p < 0.05). The between-groups analysis showed a significant decrease in the HOMA-β and AST before and after adjustment based on baseline levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, the changes in QUICKi after adjustment based on baseline levels were higher in the GSE group than in the control group. Also, between-groups analysis showed that the severity of hepatic steatosis was reduced in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that GSE can be considered one of the appropriate strategies for controlling insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The clinical trial was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Registration Center (IRCT20190731044392N1). https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/61413 . (The registration date: 30/03/2022).

Effects of grape seed procyanidins on the lipid metabolism of growing-finishing pigs based on transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses

This study investigated how lipid metabolism in the longissimus thoracis is influenced by the diet supplemented with grape seed procyanidins (GSPs) in growing-finishing pigs. Forty-eight crossbred pigs were randomly assigned to four groups, each receiving a basal diet, or basal diet added with 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg GSPs. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were employed to explore differential gene and metabolite regulation. The expression of key lipid metabolism-related genes was tested via qRT-PCR, and the lipid and fatty acid composition of the longissimus thoracis were determined. Dietary GSPs at different concentrations upregulated lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which is involved in lipolysis, and significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1B (CPT1B) and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), implicated in transmembrane transport of fatty acids. Dietary supplementation of GSPs at 200 or 250 mg/kg markedly reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride content in longissimus thoracis. Dietary GSPs significantly decreased the contents of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and saturated fatty acids, while increasing unsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, GSPs may regulate lipid metabolism, reducing cholesterol level, and improving fatty acid composition in the longissimus thoracis of growing-finishing pigs. Our findings provide evidence for the beneficial effects of GSPs as pig feed additives for improving lipid composition.

Gut microbiota-mediated polyphenol metabolism is restrained by parasitic whipworm infection and associated with altered immune function in mice

Polyphenols are phytochemicals commonly found in plant-based diets which have demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the interplay between polyphenols and pathogens at mucosal barrier surfaces has not yet been elucidated in detail. Here, we show that proanthocyanidin (PAC) polyphenols interact with gut parasites to influence immune function and gut microbial-derived metabolites in mice. PAC intake inhibited mastocytosis during infection with the small intestinal roundworm Heligmosomoides polygyrus, and altered the host tissue transcriptome at the site of infection with the large intestinal whipworm Trichuris muris, with a notable enhancement of type-1 inflammatory and interferon-driven gene pathways. In the absence of infection, PAC intake promoted the expansion of Turicibacter within the gut microbiota, increased fecal short chain fatty acids, and enriched phenolic metabolites such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones in the cecum. However, these putatively beneficial effects were reduced in PAC-fed mice infected with T. muris, suggesting concomitant parasite infection can attenuate gut microbial-mediated PAC catabolism. Collectively, our results suggest an inter-relationship between a phytonutrient and infection, whereby PAC may augment parasite-induced inflammation (most prominently with the cecum dwelling T. muris), and infection may abrogate the beneficial effects of health-promoting phytochemicals.

Hyocholic acid retards renal fibrosis by regulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory response in a sheep model

The kidneys are vital organs that regulate metabolic homeostasis in the body, filter waste products from the blood, and remove extrahepatic bile acids. We previously found that the dietary supplementation of hyocholic acid alleviated the sheep body lipid deposition and decreased kidney weight. This study evaluated hyocholic acid's (HCA) roles and mechanisms on lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory function in the kidney under a high-energy diet. Histomicrograph showing the apparent improvement by HCA by attenuating structural damage. The HCA treatment reduced the renal accumulation of cholesterol. Bile acid receptors such as LXR and FXR were activated at the protein level. HCA significantly altered several genes related to immune response (NF-κB, IL-6, and MCP1) and fibrosis (TGF-β, Col1α1, and α-SMA). These significant changes correlated with renal lipid accumulation. The KEGG pathways including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, TNF signaling pathway, and Th17 cell differentiation were enriched and NF-κB, IL-6, and TGF-β were identified as the core interconnected genes. This study revealed that HCA plays an efficient role in alleviating kidney lipids accumulation and inflammatory response through crucial genes such as FXR, LXR, HMGCR, NF-κB, IL-6, MCP1, and TGF-β, and expand our understanding of HCA's role in kidney function. In conclusion, HCA mitigated kidney fibrosis, lipid metabolism disorders and immune responses induced by a high-energy diet by regulating a potential LXR/SREBP2/TGF-β-NF-κB signaling pathway.

The Protective Role of Grape Seed in Obesity and Lipid Profile: An Updated Narrative Overview of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Obesity and dyslipidemia are common disorders universally. According to the acquired outcomes of recent studies, dietary supplementations which have great content of phenolic compounds exert protective effects against obesity and dyslipidemia. Grape [Vitis vinifera] seeds are considered attractive sources of phenolic compounds with anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects. There are also various experimental studies describing hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-aging, cardioprotective, and anti-carcinogenic effects of polyphenols isolated from grape seed, highlighting the therapeutic and biological aspects of proanthocyanidins. The present review article first discusses pharmacological, botanical, toxicological, and phytochemical characteristics of Vitis vinifera seeds and afterward designates the protective properties which are attributed to the intake of grape seeds in obesity and hyperlipidemia. Overall valuable and updated findings of this study display that polyphenol of grape seeds has meaningful impacts on the regulation of lipid profile levels and management of obesity.

Phenolic composition of grape pomace and its metabolism

Grape pomace is the most important residual after wine making, and it is considered to be a very abundant source for the extraction of a wide range of polyphenols. These polyphenols exhibit a variety of bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. They are also beneficial in alleviating metabolic syndrome and regulating intestinal flora, etc. These health effects are most likely contributed by polyphenol metabolite, which are formed by the grape pomace phenolics after a complex metabolic process in vivo. Therefore, understanding the phenolic composition of grape pomace and its metabolism is the basis for an in-depth study of the biological activity of grape pomace polyphenols. In this paper, we first summarize the composition of phenolics in grape pomace, then review the recent studies on the metabolism of grape pomace phenolics, including changes in phenolics in the gastrointestinal tract, their pharmacokinetics in the systemic circulation, the tissue distribution of phenolic metabolites, and the beneficial effects of metabolites on intestinal health, and finally summarize the effects of human health status and dietary fiber on the metabolism of grape polyphenols. It is expected to provide help for the in-depth research on the metabolism and biological activity of grape pomace polyphenol extracts, and to provide theoretical support for the development and utilization of grape pomace.

Grape exosome-like nanoparticles: A potential therapeutic strategy for vascular calcification

Vascular calcification (VC) is prevalent in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and aging and has been identified as an important predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. With the complicated mechanisms involved in VC, there is no effective therapy. Thus, a strategy for attenuating the development of VC is of clinical importance. Recent studies suggest that grape exosome-like nanoparticles (GENs) are involved in cell-cell communication as a means of regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, which are known to modulate VC development. In this review, we discuss the roles of GENs and their potential mechanisms in the development of VC.

Dietary Intake of Polyphenols Enhances Executive/Attentional Functioning and Memory with an Improvement of the Milk Lipid Profile of Postpartum Women from Argentina

Puerperium may lead to memory and executive/attentional complaints that interfere with women’s daily life. This might be prevented by dietary compounds, such as neuroprotective polyphenols. Their bioactivity depends on their effects on lipid metabolism in different tissues, such as the brain, fat, and breast. Thus, a polyphenol-related cognitive improvement may be associated with changes of lipids in human milk, which are key for infant neurodevelopment. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 postpartum women from Córdoba (Argentina), involving several neuropsychological tests. Diet was registered to identify polyphenol intake and food pattern adherence, with sociodemographic and other psychological variables (insomnia, stress, subjective cognitive complaints) being also studied. Triacylglycerols, cholesterol, and their oxidative forms were analyzed as milk biomarkers. Multivariate statistical methods were applied. Results confirmed that women who consumed polyphenols presented better executive/attentional performance (i.e., higher correct responses, conceptual level responses, complete categories, verbal fluency; lower attentional interferences, and perseverative errors) and word retention with lower interference. Polyphenols were positively associated with milk lipids, which were higher in women with better cognition. Furthermore, they had lower oxidized triacylglycerols. In conclusion, polyphenolic intake during postpartum may improve executive/attentional functioning, memory, and milk lipid profile.

Facile synthesis of food-grade and size-controlled nanocarriers based on self-assembly of procyanidins and phycocyanin

Nanocarriers provide the possibility to overcome the low solubility, poor stability, and low bioavailability of functional factors. However, most nanocarriers do not directly participate in the corresponding effects of functional factors, such as treating inflammatory bowel disease but lack the means to control their size accurately. Herein, nanocarriers were prepared by a one-pot method, using food-grade antioxidant procyanidins, vanillin, and phycocyanin as raw materials. The strategy involved the Mannich reaction among the phenolic hydroxyl groups of procyanidins, the aldehyde groups of vanillin, and the amino groups of phycocyanin. The obtained nanocarriers displayed controllable sizes ranging from 130 to 750 nm, showing good antioxidant capacity in scavenging free radicals and were biocompatible to Caco-2 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nanocarriers also exhibited an inhibitory effect on cell damage induced by acrylamide and H₂O₂. Moreover, the designed nanocarriers could be used for delivering active ingredients such as lutein, which showed a uniform spherical distribution, high encapsulation efficiency, and good biocompatibility. This work provides a facile synthesis method to prepare food-grade nanocarriers with functional properties, which can be potentially used in the delivery of functional factors.

Grape seed extract supplementation modulates hepatic lipid metabolism in rats. Implication of PPARβ/δ

Grape seed extract supplementationat low doses (25 mg per kg BW per day) modulates the transcriptional programs that controls the hepatic lipid metabolism in lean normolipidemic Wistar rats through PPARβ/δ activation.

Dietary Intake of Hydrolyzable Tannins and Condensed Tannins to Regulate Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism disorder is a multifactor issue, which contributes to several serious health consequences, such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver etc. Tannins, applied as natural derived plant, are commonly used in the study of lipid metabolism disease with excellent safety and effectiveness, while producing less toxic and side effects. Meanwhile, recognition of the significance of dietary tannins in lipid metabolism disease prevention has increased. As suggested by existing evidence, dietary tannins can reduce lipid accumulation, block adipocyte differentiation, enhance antioxidant capacity, increase the content of short-chain fatty acids, and lower blood lipid levels, thus alleviating lipid metabolism disorder. This study is purposed to sum up and analyze plenty of documents on tannins, so as to provide the information required to assess the lipid metabolism of tannins.

Analysis of Bioactive Components in the Fruit, Roots, and Leaves of Alpinia oxyphylla by UPLC-MS/MS

Alpinia oxyphylla (A. oxyphylla) fruit has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In our study, the bioactive components of its roots, fruit, and leaves were investigated, and their potential medical value was predicted. The root, fruit, and leaf samples were analyzed using a UPLC-MS/MS system. The mass spectrometry outcomes were annotated by MULTIAQUANT. The “compound-disease targets” were used to construct a pharmacology network. A total of 293, 277, and 251 components were identified in the roots, fruit, and leaves, respectively. The fruit of A. oxyphylla had a higher abundance of flavonols. The roots of A. oxyphylla were enriched in flavonols and phenolic acids. The leaves of A. oxyphylla exhibited high contents of flavonols, phenolic acids, and tannins. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis showed that flavonoids are the most important effectors in the fruit of A. oxyphylla and phenolic acids are the most important effectors in the roots and leaves. Moreover, the results suggested that the tissues of A. oxyphylla might play a role in the regulation of disease-related genes. The whole plant of A. oxyphylla is rich in natural drug components, and each tissue has high medicinal value. Therefore, comprehensive utilization of A. oxyphylla can greatly improve its economic value.

Structure-function analysis of purified proanthocyanidins reveals a role for polymer size in suppressing inflammatory responses

Proanthocyanidins (PAC) are dietary compounds that have been extensively studied for beneficial health effects due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, the structure-function relationships of PAC and their mode-of-action remain obscure. Here, we isolated a wide range of diverse PAC polymer mixtures of high purity from plant material. Polymer size was a key factor in determining the ability of PAC to regulate inflammatory cytokine responses in murine macrophages. PAC polymers with a medium (9.1) mean degree of polymerization (mDP) induced substantial transcriptomic changes, whereas PAC with either low (2.6) or high (12.3) mDP were significantly less active. Short-term oral treatment of mice with PAC modulated gene pathways connected to nutrient metabolism and inflammation in ileal tissue in a polymerization-dependent manner. Mechanistically, the bioactive PAC polymers modulated autophagic flux and inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced autophagy in macrophages. Collectively, our results highlight the importance of defined structural features in the health-promoting effects of PAC-rich foods.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Hepatic lipid metabolism disorder due to excessive fat accumulation in fish is a significant problem in aquaculture. Studies have shown that grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) can regulate fish lipid metabolism and improve fish immunity. However, the mechanism is unclear. In this study, we used grass carp that stores excess fat in the liver as a model. In vitro, GSPE treatment of hepatocytes for 3 h significantly decreased TG content, accompanied with decreased expression of SREBP-1c, FAS, and ACC and increased expression of PPARα, ATGL, and LPL. GSPE treatment for 1 h significantly decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, and NF-κB) and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1). In vivo, the administration of GSPE significantly reduced high-fat diet-induced increase of serum CHOL, TG, and HDL, but increased LDL content. GSPE treatment for 3 h increased expression of ATGL and LPL, and significantly decreased the expression of HFD-fed-induced SREBP-1c, ACC, FAS, PPARγ, PPARα, and H-FABP. GSPE treatment for 3 h also significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β) and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The expression levels of the lipogenic miRNAs, miR-33, and miR-122, were suppressed both in vivo and in vitro by GSPE. In summary, GSPE had hypolipidemic and potential anti-inflammatory effects in the liver, potentially mediated by miR-33 and miR-122.

Proanthocyanidins: Components, Pharmacokinetics and Biomedical Properties

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a group of polyphenols enriched in plant and human food. In recent decades, epidemiological studies have upheld the direct relationship between PA consumption and health benefits; therefore, studies on PAs have become a research hotspot. Although the oral bioavailability of PAs is quite low, pharmacokinetics data revealed that some small molecules and colonic microbial metabolites of PAs could be absorbed and exert their health beneficial effects. The pharmacological effects of PAs mainly include anti-oxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and metabolism-regulation behaviors. Moreover, current toxicological studies show that PAs have no observable toxicity to humans. This review summarizes the resources, extraction, structures, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and toxicology of PAs and discusses the limitations of current studies. Areas for further research are also proposed.

CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells suggests a role in cellular metabolism

Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1), present in all tissues, is classically described as a phase-II xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme but can also catalyze the hydrolysis of acetyl-Coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) in the absence of an arylamine substrate using folate as a cofactor. NAT1 activity varies inter-individually and has been shown to be overexpressed in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers. NAT1 has also been implicated in breast cancer progression however the exact role of NAT1 remains unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of varying levels of NAT1 N-acetylation activity in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells on global cellular metabolism and to probe for unknown endogenous NAT1 substrates. Global, untargeted metabolomics was conducted via ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines constructed with siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to vary only in NAT1 N-acetylation activity. Many metabolites were differentially abundant in NAT1-modified cell lines compared to the Scrambled parental cell line. N-acetylasparagine and N-acetylputrescine abundances were strongly positively correlated (r = 0.986 and r = 0.944, respectively) with NAT1 N-acetylation activity whereas saccharopine abundance was strongly inversely correlated (r = −0.876). Two of the most striking observations were a reduction in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis and defective β-oxidation of fatty acids in the absence of NAT1. We have shown that NAT1 expression differentially affects cellular metabolism dependent on the level of expression. Our results support the hypothesis that NAT1 is not just a xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme and may have a role in endogenous cellular metabolism.

Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Obesity

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease resulting from excessive fat accumulation and/or abnormal distribution caused by multiple factors. As a major component of metabolic syndrome, obesity is closely related to many diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer. Hence, the problem of obesity cannot be ignored, and recent studies have shown that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has an antiobesity effect. This paper systematically reviews the research progress and potential mechanism of GSPE emphasizing on obesity prevention and treatment.

Polyphenol Effects on Cholesterol Metabolism via Bile Acid Biosynthesis, CYP7A1: A Review

Atherosclerosis, the main contributor to coronary heart disease, is characterised by an accumulation of lipids such as cholesterol in the arterial wall. Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) reduces cholesterol via its conversion into bile acids (BAs). During RCT in non-hepatic peripheral tissues, cholesterol is transferred to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and returned to the liver for conversion into BAs predominantly via the rate-limiting enzyme, cholesterol 7 α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1). Numerous reports have described that polyphenol induced increases in BA excretion and corresponding reductions in total and LDL cholesterol in animal and in-vitro studies, but the process whereby this occurs has not been extensively reviewed. There are three main mechanisms by which BA excretion can be augmented: (1) increased expression of CYP7A1; (2) reduced expression of intestinal BA transporters; and (3) changes in the gut microbiota. Here we summarise the BA metabolic pathways focusing on CYP7A1, how its gene is regulated via transcription factors, diurnal rhythms, and microRNAs. Importantly, we will address the following questions: (1) Can polyphenols enhance BA secretion by modulating the CYP7A1 biosynthetic pathway? (2) Can polyphenols alter the BA pool via changes in the gut microbiota? (3) Which polyphenols are the most promising candidates for future research? We conclude that while in rodents some polyphenols induce CYP7A1 expression predominantly by the LXRα pathway, in human cells, this may occur through FXR, NF-KB, and ERK signalling. Additionally, gut microbiota is important for the de-conjugation and excretion of BAs. Puerarin, resveratrol, and quercetin are promising candidates for further research in this area.

Recovery of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins and Other Phenolic Compounds with Established Bioactivity from Grape Seed By-Products

Grape seeds are a copious part of the grape pomace produced by wine and juice industry and they represent an interesting source of phenolic compounds. Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are the main class of grape seed phenols and are important dietary supplements for their well-known beneficial properties. In this study enriched extracts obtained from Chardonnay and Pignoletto grape seeds were characterized for their proanthocyanidins and other minor phenolic compounds content and composition. Seed PAs were fractionated using Sephadex LH-20, using different ethanol aqueous solutions as mobile phase and analysed by normal phase HPLC-FLD-ESI-MS. Monomers, oligomers up to dodecamers and polymers were recorded in all samples. For both cultivars, the extracts showed a high content in PAs. The determination of other phenolic compounds was carried out using a HPLC-QqQ-ESI-MS and Chardonnay samples reported a greater content compared to Pignoletto samples. Contrary to PAs fraction, extracts obtained with ethanol/water 50/50 (v/v) presented a significant higher phenolic content than the others.

Maternal fructose induces gender-dependent changes in both LXRα promoter methylation and cholesterol metabolism in progeny

Fructose consumption from added sugars correlates with the epidemic rise in obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. However, consumption of beverages containing fructose is allowed during gestation. We have investigated whether maternal fructose intake produces subsequent changes in cholesterol metabolism of progeny. Carbohydrates were supplied to pregnant rats in drinking water (10% w/v solution) throughout gestation. Adult male and female descendants from fructose-fed, control or glucose-fed mothers were studied. Male offspring from fructose-fed mothers had elevated plasma HDL-cholesterol levels, whereas female progeny from fructose-fed mothers presented lower levels of non-HDL cholesterol vs. the other two groups. Liver X-receptor (LXR), an important regulator of cholesterol metabolism, and its target genes such as scavenger receptor B1, ATP-binding cassette (ABC)G5 and cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase showed decreased gene expression in males from fructose-fed mothers and the opposite in the female progeny. Moreover, the expression of a number of LXRα target genes related to lipogenesis paralleled to that for LXRα expression. In accordance with this, LXRα gene promoter methylation was increased in males from fructose-fed mothers and decreased in the corresponding group of females. Surprisingly, plasma folic acid levels, an important methyl-group donor, were augmented in males from fructose-fed mothers and diminished in female offspring. Maternal fructose intake produces a fetal programming that influences, in a gender-dependent manner, the transcription factor LXRα epigenetically, and both hepatic mRNA gene expression and plasma parameters of cholesterol metabolism in adult progeny. Changes in the LXRα promoter methylation might be related to the availability of the methyl donor folate.

An extract from date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) acts as a co-agonist ligand for the nuclear receptor FXR and differentially modulates FXR target-gene expression in vitro

Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) consumption reduces serum triglyceride levels in human subjects. The objective of this study was to prepare an extract from dates and determine whether it acts as a ligand for the farnesoid x receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor important for maintaining triglyceride and cholesterol homeostasis. Freeze-dried extracts were isolated from California-grown dates (Deglet Noor and Medjool) from the 2014 and 2015 harvests, by means of liquid extraction and solid phase separation. Each date palm extract (DPE) was characterized via HPLC and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and the procyanidin content was qualitatively determined. Extracts were tested to determine their ability to modulate nuclear receptor-mediated transactivation using transient transfection. The effect of DPE on FXR-target genes regulating bile acid absorption and transport was then assessed in vitro, in Caco-2 cells. Characterization reveals that DPE is a rich source of polyphenols including hydroxycinnamic acids, proanthocyanidins, and lipohilic polyphenols, and comprises 13% proanthocyanidins. Transactivation results show that DPE acts as a co-agonist ligand for both mouse and human FXR, wherein it activates bile acid-bound FXR greater than that seen with bile acid alone. Additionally, DPE alone activated a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) chimera in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with DPE as a co-agonist ligand for FXR, studies in Caco-2 cells reveal that co-incubation with bile acid, dose-dependently enhances the expression of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), compared to treatment with bile acid alone. In contrast, DPE inhibited bile acid-induced expression of ileal bile acid binding protein (IBABP). Our results demonstrate that DPE acts as a potent co-agonist ligand for FXR, and that it differentially regulates FXR-target gene expression in vitro in human intestinal cells. This study provides novel insight into a potential mechanism by which dates may exert a hypotriglyceridemic effect via FXR and modulation of bile acid homeostasis.