Hesperidin increases intestinal β,β-carotene 15-15′ mono-oxygenase 1 (BCMO1) activity in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) fed with β-carotene-free diet

β,β-Carotene 15-15’ mono-oxygenase 1 (BCMO1) is a key enzyme in vitamin A (VitA) metabolism in mammals. Dietary compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, were reported to influence BCMO1 activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hesperidin (Hes), on the VitA bioefficacy of β-carotene (Bc) from orange-fleshed sweet potato, using Mongolian gerbils, focussing on BCMO1 activity. Gerbils (n = 50) depleted in VitA were divided into five groups fed with basal diet containing 3% white- or orange-fleshed sweet potatoes supplemented or not with Hes. Liver BCMO1 activity was low, with no significant differences between groups. Interestingly, intestinal mucosal BCMO1 activity was significantly higher in the gerbils fed without Bc or VitA than those fed with a VitA/Bc-supplemented diet. Finally, our results show that, under a low VitA status, Hes dramatically stimulated intestinal BCMO1 activity, an effect that could possibly be related to its action as an agonist of PPARγ.