Researchers discovered that a natural substance found in citrus peels called polysaccharide might protect your pancreas from damage caused by eating too much sugar and fat. In a study using mice, this citrus peel extract lowered cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation, and helped repair damage to the pancreas. The substance appears to work by improving the health of your gut bacteria and strengthening your intestinal lining, which then reduces harmful inflammation throughout your body. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before we know if this could be a helpful treatment for people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural fiber found in citrus peels could protect the pancreas from damage caused by eating a diet high in sugar and fat
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice were fed either a normal diet, a high-sugar/high-fat diet, or a high-sugar/high-fat diet plus the citrus peel extract
  • Key finding: Mice that received the citrus peel extract had significantly lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, less pancreatic damage, and healthier gut bacteria compared to mice eating only the unhealthy diet
  • What it means for you: This suggests that citrus peel extract might someday help protect people from pancreas problems related to poor diet, but human studies are needed to confirm this. Don’t rely on orange peels alone to prevent health problems—eating a balanced diet is still the most important step.

The Research Details

Scientists conducted an experiment using mice to test whether citrus peel polysaccharide (CPP)—a natural fiber extracted from orange and lemon peels—could prevent pancreas damage caused by eating unhealthy food. They divided mice into groups: some ate normal food, some ate a diet high in sugar and fat (similar to many processed human foods), and some ate the unhealthy diet plus the citrus peel extract mixed in.

The researchers measured many things in the mice’s blood, including cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and markers of inflammation. They also examined the pancreas tissue under a microscope to see if there was damage or scarring. Additionally, they analyzed the bacteria living in the mice’s guts to understand how the citrus peel extract might be working.

This type of study is called a preclinical or animal study, which is an important first step in medical research. Scientists use animals to test whether something might work before trying it in humans.

Animal studies like this help scientists understand how natural substances might protect our bodies. The pancreas is an important organ that controls blood sugar and helps with digestion, so protecting it from damage is valuable. This research also explores how our gut bacteria and intestinal health connect to pancreas health—an area scientists are increasingly interested in.

The study measured multiple health markers and used proper laboratory techniques to analyze blood, tissue, and gut bacteria. The results showed strong statistical significance (P < 0.01), meaning the differences between groups were very unlikely to happen by chance. However, this is animal research, so results may not directly apply to humans. The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication.

What the Results Show

Mice that received the citrus peel extract while eating an unhealthy diet had much better health outcomes than mice eating only the unhealthy diet. Their cholesterol levels dropped significantly, including the ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while their ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) increased. Blood sugar levels also improved, suggesting the extract helped prevent diabetes-like conditions.

When scientists examined the pancreas tissue, they found that the citrus peel extract prevented damage to the pancreas cells and reduced scarring (fibrosis). This is important because pancreas damage can lead to serious health problems. The extract also reduced inflammation throughout the body and specifically in the pancreas.

The researchers discovered that the citrus peel extract changed the types of bacteria living in the mice’s guts, increasing beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful ones. This shift in gut bacteria appears to be how the extract works—by improving gut health, it reduces inflammation and protects the pancreas.

The citrus peel extract strengthened the intestinal barrier by increasing protective proteins that hold intestinal cells together. This is important because a weak intestinal barrier can allow harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation. The extract also reduced levels of a harmful substance called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that comes from certain bacteria and can trigger inflammation throughout the body.

Previous research has shown that gut bacteria and intestinal health significantly affect pancreas health and inflammation. This study adds to that knowledge by identifying a specific natural substance that may improve both gut and pancreas health. The findings align with growing scientific interest in how diet affects our microbiome (the community of bacteria in our gut) and how that in turn affects our overall health.

This research was conducted only in mice, not humans, so we cannot be certain the results would be the same in people. The study didn’t test different doses of the citrus peel extract or how long the benefits might last. We also don’t know if eating regular oranges or lemons would provide the same benefits as the concentrated extract used in the study. Additionally, the study doesn’t tell us whether this extract would help people who already have pancreas disease or only prevent it from developing.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, citrus peel extract shows promise as a potential protective substance, but human studies are needed before any recommendations can be made. Currently, the best evidence-based approach to pancreas health is eating a balanced diet low in added sugars and unhealthy fats, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol. If you’re interested in citrus peel supplements, discuss them with your doctor first.

This research is most relevant to people concerned about pancreas health, those with high cholesterol or blood sugar problems, and anyone eating a diet high in processed foods. People with existing pancreas disease should definitely talk to their doctor before trying any new supplement. This research is preliminary, so it’s not yet a treatment recommendation for anyone.

In the mouse study, benefits appeared within the timeframe of the experiment, but we don’t know how quickly benefits might appear in humans or how long they would last. If this were to be tested in humans, it would likely take months to years of research before we’d have clear answers about timing and effectiveness.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily intake of whole citrus fruits and vegetables, plus monitor your energy levels and digestive health. Record any changes in how you feel after increasing citrus consumption.
  • Add one serving of citrus fruit (orange, lemon, or grapefruit) to your daily diet, or try incorporating citrus peel into smoothies or cooking. Pair this with reducing processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
  • Over 4-8 weeks, track your overall diet quality, energy levels, and digestive comfort. If you have access to blood work, ask your doctor about monitoring cholesterol and blood sugar levels to see if dietary changes are helping.

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. The citrus peel extract studied is a concentrated supplement, not the same as eating regular oranges. Do not use this information to self-treat pancreas problems or replace medical advice from your doctor. If you have pancreas disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, or any serious health condition, consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes or taking supplements. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.