Camellia diacylglycerol oil (CDO) reduced artery plaque by approximately 50% and improved cholesterol levels in mice prone to heart disease, according to a 2026 study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Gram Research analysis shows the oil also reduced fat buildup in the liver and altered beneficial gut bacteria. However, these results come from mouse studies only—human clinical trials are needed before CDO can be recommended as a treatment.
Researchers tested a special type of oil called camellia diacylglycerol oil (CDO) on mice prone to heart disease. According to Gram Research analysis, mice that received CDO showed about 50% less plaque buildup in their arteries compared to mice that didn’t get the oil. The oil also improved cholesterol levels and reduced fat buildup in the liver. Scientists discovered that CDO works by changing the bacteria in the gut and how the body processes fats. While these results are promising, the study was done in mice, so scientists need to test it in humans before recommending it as a treatment.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that camellia diacylglycerol oil reduced aortic plaque area by approximately 50% in mice prone to heart disease compared to untreated mice.
According to research reviewed by Gram, camellia diacylglycerol oil at a dose of 3 mL per kilogram of body weight was more effective than regular camellia oil at improving triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels in mice (P < 0.05).
A 2026 mouse study showed that camellia diacylglycerol oil supplementation significantly increased beneficial gut bacteria including Roseburia and Faecalibaculum while decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.
Research published in 2026 demonstrated that camellia diacylglycerol oil significantly reduced hepatic fat deposition and lowered liver triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to control mice on a high-fat diet.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a special oil made from camellia seeds could prevent heart disease and fatty liver disease in mice fed a high-fat diet
- Who participated: Laboratory mice genetically engineered to be prone to heart disease (ApoE-/- mice) that were fed a high-fat diet
- Key finding: Mice receiving camellia diacylglycerol oil had approximately 50% less plaque buildup in their arteries and significantly better cholesterol levels compared to mice that didn’t receive the oil
- What it means for you: This oil shows promise as a potential food ingredient that might help protect heart and liver health, but human studies are needed before it can be recommended as a treatment. If you have heart disease risk factors, talk to your doctor before making dietary changes.
The Research Details
Scientists created a special oil called camellia diacylglycerol oil (CDO) by processing regular camellia oil with enzymes. They then gave this oil to mice that were genetically prone to heart disease and were eating a high-fat diet. Some mice received the CDO, while others received no treatment. The researchers measured changes in the mice’s arteries, blood cholesterol levels, liver health, and the bacteria living in their guts.
The study compared CDO to regular camellia oil to see which worked better. Mice received different doses of the oil to find the most effective amount. The researchers used multiple methods to examine the results, including looking at artery tissue under a microscope, measuring blood chemicals, and analyzing the genetic material of gut bacteria.
This research approach is important because it looks at multiple ways the oil might work—not just cholesterol levels, but also how it changes gut bacteria and affects liver health. By studying the gut bacteria and metabolic pathways, scientists can understand the actual mechanism behind the oil’s benefits, which helps predict whether it might work in humans.
This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication. However, the research was conducted only in mice, which have different biology than humans. The study used appropriate control groups and multiple measurement methods, which strengthens the findings. The specific sample size of mice wasn’t provided in the abstract, which is a minor limitation. Results in mice don’t always translate to humans, so human clinical trials would be needed to confirm these benefits.
What the Results Show
Mice that received camellia diacylglycerol oil showed dramatic improvements in heart and liver health. The amount of plaque buildup in their arteries decreased by about 50% compared to mice that received no treatment. This is significant because plaque buildup is what causes heart attacks and strokes in humans.
The oil also improved blood cholesterol in multiple ways. It lowered triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). At the same time, it increased HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol that protects your heart). Interestingly, the special CDO oil worked better than regular camellia oil at improving these cholesterol levels.
The liver also benefited significantly. Mice receiving CDO had less fat buildup in their livers and less damage to liver tissue. This is important because non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects many people and can lead to serious liver problems.
The researchers discovered that CDO works by changing the bacteria in the gut. Specifically, the oil increased beneficial bacteria called Roseburia and Faecalibaculum while reducing the ratio of two major bacterial groups (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes). These changes in gut bacteria are important because the bacteria help control how your body processes fats and manages inflammation. The study also identified specific metabolic pathways—ways the body processes chemicals—that appear to be responsible for the benefits, including pathways related to bile acids and certain types of fats.
This research builds on previous studies showing that certain oils and dietary components can improve heart health through gut bacteria changes. The finding that CDO works better than regular camellia oil is new and suggests that the special processing method creates a more effective product. The focus on the gut-liver-heart connection aligns with growing scientific understanding that gut bacteria play a major role in overall health.
The most important limitation is that this study was done in mice, not humans. Mice and humans have different digestive systems and metabolisms, so results don’t always transfer. The mice were genetically engineered to be prone to heart disease, which doesn’t represent all people. The study didn’t measure how long the benefits lasted or whether they continued if the oil was stopped. The exact number of mice used wasn’t specified in the available information. Finally, this was a short-term study, so we don’t know about long-term effects. Human clinical trials would be necessary to determine if CDO is safe and effective for people.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, camellia diacylglycerol oil shows promise as a potential functional food ingredient for heart and liver health (moderate confidence level, since it’s only been tested in mice). However, no human studies have been completed yet, so it cannot be recommended as a medical treatment. If you’re interested in this oil, wait for human clinical trials before using it as a supplement. In the meantime, proven ways to protect your heart include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
People with high cholesterol, heart disease risk factors, or fatty liver disease should follow this research, but should not use CDO as a treatment until human studies are completed. Scientists and nutrition researchers should care about this work because it identifies a potential new functional food. Food companies may be interested in developing CDO products. People looking for natural ways to improve heart health should be aware of this research but should consult their doctors before trying new supplements.
In the mice studied, benefits appeared within the timeframe of the experiment (specific duration not stated in the abstract). If CDO is eventually tested in humans, it would likely take several years of clinical trials before it could be recommended. Any benefits in humans would probably develop gradually over weeks to months of consistent use, similar to other dietary interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does camellia diacylglycerol oil actually prevent heart disease?
In mice, CDO reduced artery plaque by 50% and improved cholesterol levels significantly. However, these results haven’t been tested in humans yet. Human clinical trials are needed before we can say whether it prevents heart disease in people.
How does camellia diacylglycerol oil work to improve heart health?
Research shows CDO works by changing gut bacteria composition and altering how the body processes fats and bile acids. These changes reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol metabolism, which protects the heart and liver.
Is camellia diacylglycerol oil safe to use as a supplement?
This study didn’t report safety concerns in mice, but human safety data doesn’t exist yet. Before using CDO as a supplement, consult your doctor and wait for human clinical trials to establish safety and appropriate dosages.
Can I buy camellia diacylglycerol oil right now?
CDO is mentioned as a functional food ingredient in some regions, but it’s not widely available as a supplement in most countries. Check with your doctor before purchasing any camellia-based products, as human efficacy hasn’t been proven.
Why was this study done in mice instead of humans?
Mouse studies are done first to test safety and identify how a substance works before investing in expensive human trials. The mice used were genetically engineered to develop heart disease, making them useful for testing potential treatments.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Once CDO becomes available and is studied in humans, users could track weekly cholesterol levels (if they have home testing capability) or monthly liver function tests ordered by their doctor, along with daily oil intake amounts in milliliters
- Users interested in heart and liver health could use the app to track consumption of camellia-based products once they become available, set reminders for consistent daily intake, and monitor related health markers like energy levels and digestion
- Establish a baseline of current cholesterol and liver health markers through doctor visits, then track any changes monthly while using CDO products (once available), noting any side effects or digestive changes in the app’s journal feature
This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. Camellia diacylglycerol oil is not approved as a medical treatment for heart disease or fatty liver disease. Do not use CDO as a substitute for prescribed medications or medical advice from your doctor. If you have heart disease, high cholesterol, or liver disease, consult your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes or trying new supplements. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.