Effects of Alcohol Extraction of Turmeric Decoction-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles on Amelioration of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is widely used as both a food and medicinal herb, exhibiting potent hypolipidemic properties. Although traditional turmeric decoctions are typically prepared with water or low-concentration alcohol, how alcohol affects the composition and bioactivity of turmeric decoction-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (TELNs) remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study elucidates the impact of low-concentration alcohol on the physicochemical characterization and metabolites of TELNs and confirms their potential in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). METHODS: This study isolated TELNs from decoctions prepared with different alcohol concentrations (0%, 10%, and 20%, respectively) using a size exclusion chromatograph. Their morphology, particle size, concentration, and zeta potential were characterized and compared. Untargeted metabolomics was further employed to analyze differences in TELNs exposed to different alcohol concentrations. A mouse model of MASLD was established through high-fat diet induction. Subsequently, the therapeutic efficacy of TELNs extracted with different alcohol concentrations was evaluated through oral administration. RESULTS: The results indicated that although alcohol concentration did not affect the physicochemical properties of TELNs, it significantly altered their metabolite composition. Animal experiments of MASLD showed that oral administration of TELNs in all groups could ameliorate MASLD [serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index, triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, liver TG, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-&#x3b1;, all P < 0.05] with the 0% alcohol group exhibiting the most pronounced therapeutic effect (serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index, TG, liver TG, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study elucidates the impact of low-concentration alcohol on the physicochemical characterization and metabolites of TELNs and confirms their potential in treating MASLD. By integrating traditional turmeric decoction preparation methods with modern nanotechnology, this research provides new insights into the application of turmeric and the effects of alcohol on TELNs.