Plants' metabolites as potential antiobesity agents

Antiobesity effect of healthy food crops and functional foods: A systematic review of their mechanisms

Diet is a modifiable risk factor in the prevention and management of obesity, and various foods have the potential to aid in obesity management by modulating different pathways involved in the disease's pathology. We performed a systematic review of literature, using CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on the antiobesity potential of foods crops and functional food products, and their mechanisms of action and clinical evidence. Sixty-four articles were identified, of which 41 investigated food crops, while 23 investigated functional products. Food crops, such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, seaweeds, legumes, herbs, spices, and cocoa seeds, have antiobesity effects through mechanisms such as altering the metabolism of glucolipids by inhibiting enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase, stimulating the bioenergetics of thermogenic fat, modulating gut microbiota, and inhibiting lipogenesis and storage. In addition, developed functional teas, beverages, and yoghurt have antiobesity effects through similar or different mechanisms, such as enhancing energy expenditure and satiety, suppressing adipogenesis and lipolysis, improving glucose and lipid metabolism, and altering hormonal secretion. This review reemphasized the significance of food in the control of obesity, and highlights the distinct methods these explored foods exert their antiobesity effects. In conclusion, foods are safe and effective means of combating obesity without the side effects of conventional drugs, which can help inform dietary choices, assist professionals in providing more accurate advice, and also lead to better understanding of food and its effect on overall health of the public. This approach will eradicate global diseases, especially if more underutilized and indigenous food crops are extensively researched.

In Vivo Pharmacodynamics of Calophyllum soulattri as Antiobesity with In Silico Molecular Docking and ADME/Pharmacokinetic Prediction Studies

This study aims to determine the antiobesity activity of Calophyllum soulattri leaves extract (CSLE) on high fat diet-fed rats (HFD) and to predict the molecular docking and pharmacokinetics of selected compounds of Calophyllum soulattri to fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO). Daily body weight, organ, carcass fat (renal and anal), body mass index, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride levels were observed after CSLE was given orally for 50 days. Furthermore, body mass index of a CSLE dose of 50 mg/kgbw, 100 mg/kgbw and orlistat (120 mg/kgbw) group are 0.68, 0.57 and 0.52, respectively. The total body weight of the CLSE dose of 100 mg/kgbw group showed the lowest percentage change, followed by a CLSE dose of 50 mg/kgbw compared to the normal and positive control group. The carcass fat index of CSLE dose of 100 mg/kgbw was not significantly different from orlistat, which was in line with its total cholesterol level and triglyceride (p < 0.05). The binding affinity of selected compounds from Calophyllum soulattri (friedelin, caloxanthone B, macluraxanthone, stigmasterol, trapezifolixanthone, dombakinaxanthone, and brasixanthone B) to FTO are -8.27, -9.74, -8.48, -9.34, -8.85, -8.68 and -9.39 kcal/mol, which are better than that of orlistat at -4.80 kcal/mol. The molecular dynamics simulation showed that the interaction between Caloxanthone B compounds and obesity receptors was relatively stable. Lipinski's rule determined the absorption percentage of all compounds above 90% with good drug-likeness. The results showed the potential of CSLE as an antiobesity drug candidate.

The Anti-Obesity Potential of Cyperus rotundus Extract Containing Piceatannol, Scirpusin A and Scirpusin B from Rhizomes: Preclinical and Clinical Evaluations

PURPOSE

Obesity is a complex medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and fatty liver disease. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Cyperus rotundus rhizome extract (CRE), standardized to contain Piceatannol, Scirpusin A, and Scirpusin B (5% total Stilbenoids) in overweight individuals. The mechanism of activity was evaluated in a diet-induced mice model of obesity and adipocytes in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CRE were evaluated in 30 obese individuals with a BMI of 30 to 40 kg/m² for 90 days in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. In vitro studies were carried out in differentiated 3T3 L1 adipocytes, and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

RESULTS

The pilot clinical study showed a reduction in body weight with a significant decrease in waist circumference and BMI. The serum lipid profile showed a significant improvement in CRE-treated individuals. The extract was well tolerated, and no adverse effects were reported at the end of the study. CRE showed a dose-dependent adipogenesis reduction in vitro with an IC₅₀ value of 9.39 μg/mL, while oral administration of CRE reduced weight gain in diet-induced obese mice. The efficacy in mice was associated with reduced levels of leptin, corticosteroids, and serum lipid levels, with no adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

CRE has anti-adipogenic properties, is safe for human consumption, and effectively manages weight and hypercholesterolemia in overweight individuals.

Ergogenic property of Morinda citrifolia L. leaf extract affects energy metabolism in obese Sprague Dawley rats

Ergogenic property is the ability to enhance capacity for physical activities through efficient production of energy and is potentially beneficial in weight management for the obese. In this study, ergogenic property of Morinda citrifolia leaf's extract (MCL) was evaluated using AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and high fat diet-induced obese rats. Findings from the study showed that MCL demonstrated ergogenic activity via enhancement of AMPK activity using L6 skeletal muscle cell line. Interestingly, the result also revealed that rats treated with the intermediate dosage of MCL experienced the lowest % weight gain. The rats fed the highest dose of 200 mg/kg BW MCL demonstrated the longest swimming time of approximately three times that of green tea and caffeine-fed rats. The highest dose fed rats were also found to have lower glucose and lactate levels, suggesting that energy metabolism was more effective in these rats. In addition, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase activities, the muscle injury indicators, were found to be the lowest in rats fed the highest MCL dose. The same effect was not seen in rats fed either caffeine or green tea, indicating that MCL treatment is may be protective of the rats' muscles. It was also shown that MCL consisted of various flavonoids with epicatechin, catechin, and quercetin that may be responsible for the effects measured. In conclusion, improvements were seen in rats fed MCL in terms of weight management, endurance capacity, energy metabolism, and muscle injury parameters. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Results of the study revealed that Morinda citrifolia leaf has great potential to be used as functional ingredient in the development of designer food/drink as ergogenic aid for both obese and non-obese individuals. Morinda citrifolia leaf could help in the weight management of obese people and enhance endurance capacity and energy metabolism in active individuals.

Mechanisms of action for the anti-obesogenic activities of phytochemicals

The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly globally and has recently reached pandemic proportions. It is a multifactorial disorder linked to a number of non-communicable diseases such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Over-nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle are considered the most significant causes of obesity; a healthy lifestyle and behavioural interventions are the most powerful ways to achieve successful weight loss, but to maintain this in the long term can prove difficult for many individuals, without medical intervention. Various pharmacological anti-obesogenic drugs have been tested and marketed in the past and have been moderately successful in the management of obesity, but their adverse effects on human health often outweigh the benefits. Natural products from plants, either in the form of crude extracts or purified phytochemicals, have been shown to have anti-obesogenic properties and are generally considered as nontoxic and cost-effective compared to synthetic alternatives. These plant products combat obesity by targeting the various pathways and/or regulatory functions intricately linked to obesity. Their mechanisms of action include inhibition of pancreatic lipase activities, an increase in energy expenditure, appetite regulation, lipolytic effects, and inhibition of white adipose tissue development. In this review, we discuss the distinct anti-obesogenic properties of recently reported plant extracts and specific bioactive compounds, along with their molecular mechanisms of action. This review will provide a common platform for understanding the different causes of obesity and the possible approaches to using plant products in tackling this worldwide health issue.

Effect of Supplementation with Hydroethanolic Extract of Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Berg.) Leaves and Two Isolated Substances from the Extract on Metabolic Parameters of Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

There are still controversies regarding the correlation between the beneficial effects for health and the administration of isolated compounds or crude extracts in therapeutic applications. Campomanesia xanthocarpa, found in the Brazilian Cerrado, demonstrated beneficial effects in metabolic disorders associated with obesity. We investigated the effects of Campomanesia xanthocarpa hydroethanolic extract and two isolated substances from the extract (S1 and S2) in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) model. Male Swiss mice were divided into five groups: (1) American Institute of Nutrition (AIN-93M) diet, (2) high-fat diet (HF), (3) HF supplemented with C. xanthocarpa hydroethanolic leaf extract at 100 mg/kg (HFE), (4) HF supplemented with S1 at 1 mg/kg (HFS1) and (5) HF supplemented with S2 at 1 mg/kg (HFS2). The HFS1, HFS2 and HFE groups did not present decreasing body weight or visceral adiposity gain. No differences in glycemic and lipid parameters, or in the expression of protein content in two cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10), were observed. Only the HFS1 group displayed decreased food intake. Even though substantial effects such as an improvement in obesity features or the metabolic and histological parameters promoted by S1, S2 and the extract were not observed, further investigations are necessary to evaluate the principal genes and protein expressions involved in regulating food behavior promoted by S1.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Grateloupia elliptica, a Red Seaweed, in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity via Suppression of Adipogenic Factors in White Adipose Tissue and Increased Thermogenic Factors in Brown Adipose Tissue

Obesity is a serious metabolic syndrome characterized by high levels of cholesterol, lipids in the blood, and intracellular fat accumulation in adipose tissues. It is known that the suppression of adipogenic protein expression is an effective approach for the treatment of obesity, and regulates fatty acid storage and transportation in adipose tissues. The 60% ethanol extract of Grateloupia elliptica (GEE), a red seaweed from Jeju Island in Korea, was shown to exert anti-adipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 cells and in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. GEE inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, and significantly reduced expression of adipogenic proteins. In vivo experiments indicated a significant reduction in body weight, as well as white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, including fatty liver, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and leptin contents. The expression of the adipogenic proteins, SREBP-1 and PPAR-γ, was significantly decreased by GEE, and the expression of the metabolic regulator protein was increased in WAT. The potential of GEE was shown in WAT, with the downregulation of PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α mRNA; in contrast, in brown adipose tissue (BAT), the thermogenic proteins were increased. Collectively, these research findings suggest the potential of GEE as an effective candidate for the treatment of obesity-related issues via functional foods or pharmaceutical agents.

Bioactivity-Guided Isolation and Identification of Anti-adipogenic Constituents from the n-Butanol Fraction of Cissus quadrangularis

Obesity is marked by the buildup of fat in adipose tissue that increases body weight and the risk of many associated health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Treatment options for obesity are limited, and available medications have many side effects. Thus there is a great need to find alternative medicines for treating obesity. This study explores the anti-adipogenic potential of the n-butanol fraction of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ-B) on 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocyte cell line. The expression of various lipogenic marker genes such as adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, leptin, fatty acid-binding proteins, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins, fetal alcohol syndrome, steroyl-CoA desaturase-1, lipoproteins, acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase beta were variously significantly downregulated. After establishing the anti-adipogenic potential of CQ-B, it was fractionated to isolate anti-adipogenic compounds. We observed significant reduction in neutral lipid content of differentiated cells treated with various fractions of CQ-B. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of thirteen compounds with reported anti-adipogenic activities. Further studies to purify these compounds can offer efficacious and viable treatment options for obesity and related complications.

Nutraceutical Potential of Carica papaya in Metabolic Syndrome

Carica papaya L. is a well-known fruit worldwide, and its highest production occurs in tropical and subtropical regions. The pulp contains vitamins A, C, and E, B complex vitamins, such as pantothenic acid and folate, and minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, as well as food fibers. Phenolic compounds, such as benzyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolates, tocopherols (α and δ), β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene and carotenoids, are found in the seeds. The oil extracted from the seed principally presents oleic fatty acid followed by palmitic, linoleic and stearic acids, whereas the leaves have high contents of food fibers and polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, pro-anthocyanins, tocopherol, and benzyl isothiocyanate. Studies demonstrated that the nutrients present in its composition have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, protecting it against cardiovascular illnesses and preventing harm caused by free radicals. It has also been reported that it aids in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and in the reduction of cholesterol levels. Thus, both the pulp and the other parts of the plant (leaves and seeds) present antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic actions, which, in turn, can contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

Dietary Isoliquiritigenin at a Low Dose Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and NAFLD in Diet-Induced Obesity in C57BL/6J Mice

Isoliquiritigenin (ILG) is a flavonoid constituent of Glycyrrhizae plants. The current study investigated the effects of ILG on diet-induced obesity and metabolic diseases. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (AIN-76 purified diet), high-fat diet (40 kcal% fat), and high-fat diet +0.02% (w/w) ILG for 16 weeks. Supplementation of ILG resulted in decreased body fat mass and plasma cholesterol level. ILG ameliorated hepatic steatosis by suppressing the expression of hepatic lipogenesis genes and hepatic triglyceride and fatty acid contents, while enhancing β-oxidation in the liver. ILG improved insulin resistance by lowering plasma glucose and insulin levels. This was also demonstrated by the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). Additionally, ILG upregulated the expression of insulin signaling-related genes in the liver and muscle. Interestingly, ILG elevated energy expenditure by increasing the expression of thermogenesis genes, which is linked to stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and uncoupled cellular respiration in brown adipose tissue. ILG also suppressed proinflammatory cytokine levels in the plasma. These results suggest that ILG supplemented at 0.02% in the diet can ameliorate body fat mass, plasma cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance; these effects were partly mediated by increasing energy expenditure in high-fat fed mice.

Therapeutic Potential of Brazilian Cerrado Campomanesia Species on Metabolic Dysfunctions

Obesity, in conjunction with other metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, is a feature of metabolic syndrome which is characterized by a pro-inflammatory state and increased oxidative stress. Therefore, antioxidant foods are proposed to prevent and treat these disorders. Medicinal plants are one of the main strategies in this regard. Guavira, a Brazilian Cerrado plant, contains different bioactive compounds with a high antioxidant capacity and without clinical or reproductive toxicity effects. Though there are different varieties of guavira, the principal Brazilian Cerrado guaviras demonstrated hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic actions. There is also a potential antiplatelet agent in C. xanthocarpa, while C. adamantium displayed hypocholesterolemic actions in animal models and human clinical trials. On the other hand, even with a lack of studies related to C. pubescens, it demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and an antioxidant capacity in in vitro studies. Despite the fact that most of the studies were not performed to evaluate pathological conditions specific to obese animal models or obese subjects, guavira demonstrated effects in metabolic disorders that are commonly related to the obesity context, such as cardiovascular disturbances and hyperglycemia status. This suggests that guavira is a potential therapeutic approach to obesity-induced metabolic syndrome.

Low-dose grape pomace and omija fruit extract is more effective than high-dose in lowering oxidative stress and fat-pad mass in db/db mice

Previous studies have shown that the mixture of extracts of grape pomace and omija (GO) improved oxidative stress and obesity in mice. This study first investigated the dose-response effects of GO on oxidative stress and fat-pad mass. Male C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were fed the following three experimental diets for 7 weeks: a normal control, high-dose grape pomace plus omija (HGO; 0.5% grape pomace plus 0.05% omija fruit, w/w), and low-dose grape pomace plus omija (LGO; 0.3% grape pomace plus 0.05% omija fruit, w/w). The LGO significantly decreased white adipose tissues weights, as well as ameliorated the plasma lipid profiles. The antioxidant effects of LGO led to a significant decrease in the erythrocytic H₂O₂ and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels, while LGO increased erythrocytic antioxidant activities. These results suggest that LGO is more effective than HGO in lowering oxidative stress and body fat mass in db/db mice.

Neuroprotective and Antiamnesic Effects of Mitragyna inermis Willd (Rubiaceae) on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice

Aim. To assess memory improvement and neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Mitragyna inermis (M. inermis) leaf decoction on the central nervous system. Methodology. Leaf decoction of M. inermis was tested on learning and memory in normal and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice using memory behavioral tests such as the Morris water maze, object recognition task, and elevated plus maze. Oxidative stress enzymes-catalase, superoxide dismutase, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, a product of lipid peroxidation-were quantified. In each test, mice 18 to 25 g were divided into groups of 5. Results. The extract reversed the effects of scopolamine in mice. The extract significantly increased discrimination index in the object recognition task test and inflexion ratio in the elevated plus maze test. The times spent in target quadrant in MWM increased while the transfer latency decreased in mice treated by M. inermis at the dose of 196.5 mg/kg. The activity levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased, whereas the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was significantly decreased after 8 consecutive days of treatment with M. inermis at the dose of 393 mg/kg. Conclusion. These results suggest that M. inermis leaf extract possess potential antiamnesic effects.

Chrysophanic Acid Suppresses Adipogenesis and Induces Thermogenesis by Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Alpha In vivo and In vitro

Chrysophanic acid (CA) is a member of the anthraquinone family abundant in rhubarb, a widely used herb for obesity treatment in Traditional Korean Medicine. Though several studies have indicated numerous features of CA, no study has yet reported the effect of CA on obesity. In this study, we tried to identify the anti-obesity effects of CA. By using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary cultured brown adipocytes as in vitro models, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, and zebrafish as in vivo models, we determined the anti-obesity effects of CA. CA reduced weight gain in HFD-induced obese mice. They also decreased lipid accumulation and the expressions of adipogenesis factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), the brown fat specific thermogenic genes, were up-regulated in brown adipocytes by CA treatment. Furthermore, when co-treated with Compound C, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, the action of CA on AMPKα was nullified in both types of adipocytes, indicating the multi-controlling effect of CA was partially via the AMPKα pathway. Given all together, these results indicate that CA can ameliorate obesity by controlling the adipogenic and thermogenic pathway at the same time. On these bases, we suggest the new potential of CA as an anti-obese pharmacotherapy.

Effects of Saponins on Lipid Metabolism: A Review of Potential Health Benefits in the Treatment of Obesity

Obesity is one of the greatest public health problems. This complex condition has reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the world, and it constitutes a risk factor for several chronic disorders, such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. In the last few decades, several studies dealt with the potential effects of natural products as new safe and effective tools for body weight control. Saponins are naturally-occurring surface-active glycosides, mainly produced by plants, whose structure consists of a sugar moiety linked to a hydrophobic aglycone (a steroid or a triterpene). Many pharmacological properties have been reported for these compounds, such as anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antifungal and cytotoxic activities. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent studies about the anti-obesity therapeutic potential of saponins isolated from medicinal plants. Results on the in vitro and in vivo activity of this class of phytochemicals are here presented and discussed. The most interesting findings about their possible mechanism of action and their potential health benefits in the treatment of obesity are reported, as well.

An Investigation into the Antiobesity Effects of Morinda citrifolia L. Leaf Extract in High Fat Diet Induced Obese Rats Using a (1)H NMR Metabolomics Approach

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, with high fat diet (HFD) as one of the main contributing factors. Obesity increases the predisposition to other diseases such as diabetes through various metabolic pathways. Limited availability of antiobesity drugs and the popularity of complementary medicine have encouraged research in finding phytochemical strategies to this multifaceted disease. HFD induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with an extract of Morinda citrifolia L. leaves (MLE 60). After 9 weeks of treatment, positive effects were observed on adiposity, fecal fat content, plasma lipids, and insulin and leptin levels. The inducement of obesity and treatment with MLE 60 on metabolic alterations were then further elucidated using a (1)H NMR based metabolomics approach. Discriminating metabolites involved were products of various metabolic pathways, including glucose metabolism and TCA cycle (lactate, 2-oxoglutarate, citrate, succinate, pyruvate, and acetate), amino acid metabolism (alanine, 2-hydroxybutyrate), choline metabolism (betaine), creatinine metabolism (creatinine), and gut microbiome metabolism (hippurate, phenylacetylglycine, dimethylamine, and trigonelline). Treatment with MLE 60 resulted in significant improvement in the metabolic perturbations caused obesity as demonstrated by the proximity of the treated group to the normal group in the OPLS-DA score plot and the change in trajectory movement of the diseased group towards the healthy group upon treatment.

Oral administration of Nitraria retusa ethanolic extract enhances hepatic lipid metabolism in db/db mice model 'BKS.Cg-Dock7(m)+/+ Lepr(db/)J' through the modulation of lipogenesis-lipolysis balance

The medicinal plants can be used in the prevention or treatment of many diseases. Several studies concerning the potential of bioactive components in plants and food products and their link to obesity and related metabolic disorders, have been gaining big interest. Diabetes is a serious metabolic syndrome. Searching for alternative natural bioactive molecules is considered main strategy to manage diabetes through weight management. In the present study, an edible halophyte Nitraria retusa was selected and in vivo experiment was conducted using db/db model mice. We orally administrated its ethanol extract (NRE) to BKS.Cg-Dock7(m)+/+ Lepr(db/)J mice model for a period of 4 weeks. The effect was evaluated on the body weight and adiposity changes and on the biochemical parameters of db/db NRE-treated mice. The molecular mechanism underlying the anti-obesity effect was investigated by testing the gene expression related to hepatic lipid metabolism. NRE was found to significantly supress increases in body and fat mass weight, decreases triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels and enhances gene expression related to lipid homeostasis in liver showing anti-obesity actions. Our findings, indicate that NRE possesses potential anti-obesity effects in BKS.Cg-Dock7(m)+/+ Lepr(db/)J model mice and may relieve obesity-related symptoms including hyperlipidemia through modulating the lipolysis-lipogenesis balance.

Effects of fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on adipocyte differentiation

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) contains a rich complement of polyphenols, including flavonoids, considered to be largely responsible for its health promoting effects, including combatting obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of fermented rooibos hot water soluble solids on in vitro adipocyte differentiation by using differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Hot water soluble solids were obtained when preparing an infusion of fermented rooibos at "cup-of-tea" strength. The major phenolic compounds (>5 mg/g) were isoorientin, orientin, quercetin-3-O-robinobioside and enolic phenylpyruvic acid-2-O-β-D-glucoside. Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml of the rooibos soluble solids inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation by 22% (p<0.01) and 15% (p<0.05), respectively. Inhibition of adipogenesis was accompanied by decreased messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of PPARγ, PPARα, SREBF1 and FASN. Western blot analysis exhibited decreased PPARα, SREBF1 and AMPK protein expression. Impeded glycerol release into the culture medium was observed after rooibos treatment. None of the concentrations of rooibos hot water soluble solids was cytotoxic, in terms of ATP content. Interestingly, the higher concentration of hot water soluble solids increased ATP concentrations which were associated with increased basal glucose uptake. Decreased leptin secretion was observed after rooibos treatment. Our data show that hot water soluble solids from fermented rooibos inhibit adipogenesis and affect adipocyte metabolism, suggesting its potential in preventing obesity.

Antiobesity Effects of an Edible Halophyte Nitraria retusa Forssk in 3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Differentiation and in C57B6J/L Mice Fed a High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

Nitraria retusa is an edible halophyte, used in Tunisia for several traditional medicine purposes. The present study investigated the antiobesity effects of Nitraria retusa ethanol extract (NRE) in 3T3-L1 cells using different doses and in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Male C57B6J/L mice were separately fed a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD) and daily administrated with NRE (50, 100 mg/kg) or one for 2 days with Naringenin (10 mg/kg). NRE administration significantly decreased body weight gain, fat pad weight, serum glucose, and lipid levels in HFD-induced obese mice. To elucidate the mechanism of action of NRE, the expression of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were measured in liver. Results showed that mice treated with NRE demonstrated a significant decrease in cumulative body weight and fat pad weight, a significant lowering in glucose and triglycerides serum levels, and an increase in the HDL-cholesterol serum level. Moreover mRNA expression results showed an enhancement of the expression of genes related to liver metabolism. Our findings suggest that NRE treatment had a protective or controlling effect against a high fat diet-induced obesity in C57B6J/L mice through the regulation of expression of genes involved in lipolysis and lipogenesis and thus the enhancement of the lipid metabolism in liver.

Antidepressant-like effects of the aqueous macerate of the bulb of Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel (Iridaceae) in a rat model of epilepsy-associated depression

BACKGROUND

In Cameroonian traditional medicine various extracts of Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel (Iridaceae) have been used as a cure for various ailments that include headaches, digestive problems, muscle and joint aches, and some central nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and mood disorders. Owning to this background, the aim of the study was to investigate whether an aqueous macerate of the bulb of Gladiolus dalenii has any antidepressant activity focusing specifically on depression-like behaviours associated with epilepsy.

METHOD

We used the combined administration of atropine and pilocarpine to rats as our animal model of epilepsy. The forced swim test and spontaneous locomotor activity in the open field test were the two tools used to assess the presence of depression-like behaviour in epileptic and control animals. The following depression-related parameters were determined: plasma ACTH, plasma corticosterone, adrenal gland weight and hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The effects of Gladiolus dalenii were compared to that of fluoxetine.

RESULTS

Our results showed that we had a valid animal model of epilepsy-induced depression as all 3 measures of construct, predictive and face validity were satisfied. The data indicated that Gladiolus dalenii significantly reduced the immobility times in the forced swim test and the locomotor activity as assessed in the open field. A similar pattern was observed when the HPA axis parameters were analysed. Gladiolus dalenii significantly reduced the levels of ACTH, corticosterone, but not the adrenal gland weight. Gladiolus dalenii significantly increased the level of BDNF in the hippocampus. In all parameters measured the effects of Gladiolus dalenii were significantly greater than those of fluoxetine.

CONCLUSION

The results show that Gladiolus dalenii has antidepressant-like properties similar to those of fluoxetine in epilepsy-associated depressive states. The antidepressant activity of Gladiolus dalenii is likely to be mediated by restoring the activity of the HPA axis and increasing the levels of BDNF in the hippocampus.

Extract of Wax Gourd Peel Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia in C57BL/6 Mice via the Inhibition of the PPARγ Pathway

Wax gourd is a popular vegetable in East Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, wax gourd peel is used to prevent and treat metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. However, there is no experimental evidence to support these applications. Here, we examined the effect of the extract of wax gourd peel (EWGP) on metabolic disorders in diet-induced C57BL/6 obese mice. In the preventive experiment, EWGP blocked body weight gain and lowered serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), liver TG and TC contents, and fasting blood glucose in mice fed with a high-fat diet. In the therapeutic study, we induced obesity in the mice and treated with EWGP for two weeks. We found that EWGP treatment reduced serum and liver triglyceride (TG) contents and fasting blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in the mice. Reporter assay and gene expression analysis showed that EWGP could inhibit peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ ) transactivities and could decrease mRNA levels of PPAR γ and its target genes. We also found that HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) was downregulated in the mouse liver by EWGP. Our data suggest that EWGP lowers hyperlipidemia of C57BL/6 mice induced by high-fat diet via the inhibition of PPAR γ and HMGCR signaling.

Liver and plasma nesfatin-1 responses to 6 weeks of treadmill running with or without zizyphus jujuba liquid extract in female rat

BACKGROUND

Nesfatin-1 is a protein derived from a precursor molecule of the nucleobindin-2 gene, and acts as an anorexigenic peptide on food intake behavior, and its level isinfluenced by nutritional status, food composition [fat and carbohydrate (CHO)], and physical exercise.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of treadmill running (at high intensity) program with and without zizyphus jujuba (high carbohydrate content) crud extraction on liver nesfatin-1, ATP, glycogen, and its plasma concentrations in female rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight Wistar female rats (6-8 weeks old100-120 g of weight) were randomly assigned to saline-control (SC), saline-training (ST), zizyphus jujuba-control (ZJC), and zizyphus jujuba-training (ZJT) groups. Rats ran on a motor-driven treadmill at 35 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Animals received ZJ extraction and saline at the dose of 1.25 mL/100g of body weight. Seventy-two hours after the last training session rats were killed, a portion of liver excited, and plasma was collected for nesfatin-1, ATP, and glycogen measurements. A one-way ANOVA method, and Pearson correlation were employed. P < 0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

A higher and significant liver nesfatin-1 level was found in ZJ groups (p < 0.005), but plasma nesfatin-1 responded differently. Changes in liver nesfatin-1 were accompanied with an increase in liver glycogen,but not ATP contents.

CONCLUSIONS

The Findings indicate that higher liver nesfatin-1 and glycogen content by ZJ extraction might be due to the ZJ high CHO content, and it could be consideredas an anti-appetite herb.