Peanut sprouts extract (Arachis hypogaea L.) has anti-obesity effects by controlling the protein expressions of PPARγ and adiponectin of adipose tissue in rats fed high-fat diet

Protective effects of peanut skin extract on high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced kidney injury in rats

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to explore whether peanut skin extract (PSE) has protective effects against high-fat and high-fructose (HF) diet-induced kidney injury. Rats were fed HF diet in the whole experiment, while rats in PSE-treated groups were supplemented with PSE. Finally, PSE reduced kidney tissue weight, perinephric fat weight, and levels of serum ammonia, creatinine, and urea nitrogen, along with decreases of renal IL-1β and TNF-α level. Histological examination indicated that PSE alleviated renal tubular dilatation, and degeneration and partial exfoliation of renal tubular epithelial cells. In addition, PSE decreased serum and urinary uric acid level, together with reductions of XOD production and XOD activity both in serum and liver, and down-regulated expressions of renal NLRP3 and ERS proteins. Thus, PSE may be a potential functional food for protecting against renal injury in high energy intake.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Hot Water Extract of Barley Sprout through the Inhibition of Adipocyte Differentiation and Growth

Barley sprouts are known to have several effective physiological activities. In this study, the anti-obesity effect of a barley sprout hot water extract (BSE) was confirmed. Saponarin was quantitatively analyzed in BSE using HPLC, and the inhibitory effect on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation into adipocytes was confirmed by Oil Red O staining, TG assay, and Western blotting. In addition, the inhibitory effect of BSE on adipocyte growth was confirmed through glucose uptake and lipolysis of adipocytes. C57/BL/6N mice were induced to obesity with a high-fat diet, and BSE was administered to confirm the effect on an animal model. Weight gain, morphological changes in adipose tissue, changes in the food efficiency ratio, and blood biochemical changes were observed, and an improvement effect on fatty liver was confirmed. As a result, the anti-obesity effect of BSE was confirmed in vitro, and it was confirmed that this effect was also effective in vivo and that it could be helpful in the treatment of obesity-related diseases.

Peanut sprout rich in p-coumaric acid ameliorates obesity and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and the inhibition of browning in adipocytes via mitochondrial activation

Obesity is accompanied by adipose tissue inflammation that subsequently reduces thermogenic potential in brown and beige (brown-like) adipocytes. We previously reported that peanut sprout (PS) inhibited triglyceride accumulation via fatty acid oxidation in adipocytes. However, it is unknown whether PS reverses diet-induced obesity/inflammation and protects against the inflammation-induced inhibition of browning. To investigate this, C57BL/6 male mice, as an in vivo model, were randomly assigned to three different diets and fed for 8 weeks: (i) low-fat diet (LF, 11% kcal from fat), (ii) high-fat diet (HF, 61% kcal from fat), or (iii) HF diet with PS (4% PS in diet, HF + PS). As an in vitro model, lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced macrophages and 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the absence (white adipocytes) or presence of dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt-cAMP, beige adipocytes) were used. The supplementation of PS improved HF-diet-mediated body weight gain, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia as compared to the HF group. Although there was a marginal impact on visceral hypertrophy, PS reversed the adipocyte inflammation. In parallel, LPS-mediated induction of inflammation was impeded by PS extract (PSE) in macrophages and adipocytes. PSE also protected against LPS-induced suppression of adipocyte browning in Bt-cAMP-treated adipocytes with mitochondrial activation. The phenolic acid analysis showed that among the constituent of PSE, p-coumaric acid (PCA) was identified as a polyphenol that showed a similar effect to PSE. PCA treatment was also able to maintain a higher temperature than the control group upon cold exposure. Taken together, PCA-enriched PS attenuated HF-diet-induced obesity and protected against LPS-induced inflammation and the inhibition of browning via mitochondrial activation.

Peanut Sprout Extracts Cultivated with Fermented Sawdust Medium Inhibits Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia In Vitro and In Vivo

PURPOSE

In this study, we tested whether the resveratrol-enriched peanut sprout extracts cultivated with fermented sawdust medium (PSEFS) could suppress benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mode of action of PSEFS was estimated by employing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, MTT assay, cell counting, cell cycle analysis, immunoblots, and immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In vivo efficacy of PSEFS was analyzed in BPH animal model via immunostaining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

We selected the Yesan peanut sprout variety, which contains the highest level of resveratrol. The resveratrol levels in PSEFS were higher than those obtained with hydroponic technology. PSEFS treatment induced cell cycle arrest at the G1-phase by downregulating CDK4 and cyclin D1 via p21WAF1 induction in the RWPE-1 and WPMY prostate cells, thereby decreasing their proliferation. Treatment with PSEFS decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased JNK phosphorylation. The levels of DNA-bound transcription factors associated with proliferation (nuclear factor-κB, Sp-1, and AP-1) decreased upon PSEFS treatment in both prostate cells. Additionally, the levels of the molecular markers of BPH development (5α-reductase, androgen receptor, fibroblast growth factor, Bcl-2, and Bax) also changed by the addition of PSEFS. Finally, in a testosterone propionate-induced BPH model in rats, PSEFS administration attenuated the size, weight, and thickness of prostate tissues with no signs of death.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that PSEFS inhibited BPH both in vitro and in vivo and might be useful in the development of a potential BPH therapy.

Treatment with Peanut Sprout Root Extract Alleviates Inflammation in a Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Mouse Macrophage Cell Line by Inhibiting the MAPK Signaling Pathway

Inflammation is a key response of the immune system to infection but aberrant inflammatory activity can lead to tissue damage and inflammatory diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that peanut sprout root extract (PSRE) has anti-inflammatory activity, and the aim of this study is therefore to investigate the effects of PSRE on the inflammatory response and the molecular mechanisms underpinning this effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Using a combination of cell viability, ELISA, and nitric oxide (NO) assays, together with Western blotting, we showed that PSRE effectively inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated cells and significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, and PGE2, at a dose of 200 µg/mL of PSRE, whereas TNF-α expression tended to decrease under PSRE treatment. We also confirmed a dose-dependent and significant inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 protein expression. In addition, PSRE treatment induced anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the phosphorylation of MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38) and NF-κB activation. Our results indicate that the anti-inflammatory properties of PSRE may result from inhibition of the MAPK pathways, which are known promoters of cytokine secretion.

Leptin and Adiponectin Signaling Pathways Are Involved in the Antiobesity Effects of Peanut Skin Extract

Excessive food intake and metabolic disorder promote obesity and diabetes. In China, peanut skin is used as a herbal medicine to treat hemophilia, thrombocytopenic purpura, and hepatic hemorrhage. In the present study, we demonstrated that peanut skin extract (PSE) safely reduced appetite, body weight, fat tissue, plasma TG and TC, and blood glucose level in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO). Moreover, the leptin/leptin receptor/neuropeptide Y (NPY) and adiponectin signaling pathways involved in the antiobesity effects of PSE are confirmed through leptin and adiponectin overexpression and leptin receptor silencing in mice. PSE consisted of oligosaccharide and polyphenol in a mass ratio of 45 : 55, and both parts were important for the antiobesity function of PSE. Our results suggested that PSE can be developed as functional medical food to treat metabolic disorders and obesity.

Anti-adipogenesis and antioxidative defense status of a crude extract of 'Kalasin 2' peanut sprouts in 3T3-L1 mouse adipocytes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extracts from germinated (GPE) and non-germinated peanuts (NGPE) on adipogenesis and oxidative status in normal and oxidative-stress-induced 3T3-L1 mouse adipocytes. The treated cells were analysed for cell growth, lipid accumulation, levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins related to adipogenesis and antioxidative defense systems. The results indicated that an extract from peanuts made 9 days after germination (9GPE) reduced lipid contents and mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes to a greater extent than an extract from peanuts made 1-day after germination (1GPE) or from NGPE, respectively. In oxidative-stress-induced adipocytes, 9GPE decreased ROS levels, lipid content, and the protein expression of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and also increased the protein expression of antioxidants. These results illustrate the anti-adipogenic capacity and oxidative status improvement achievable with GPE, and that it could be used as a putative therapeutic agent in the prevention of and (or) treatment of obesity and diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Biofunctional soyasaponin Bb in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) sprouts enhances bone morphogenetic protein-2-dependent osteogenic differentiation via activation of runt-related transcription factor 2 in C2C12 cells

Improvement of bone formation is necessary for successful treatment of the bone defects associated with osteoporosis. In this study, we sought to elucidate the osteogenic activity of peanut sprouts and their bioactive components. We found that peanut sprout water extract (PSWE) enhanced bone morphogenetic protein‐2‐mediated osteoblast differentiation in a dose‐dependent manner by stimulating expression of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) via activation of AKT/MAP kinases. We identified a major component of PSWE, soyasaponin Bb, as the bioactive compound responsible for improvement of anabolic activity. Soyasaponin Bb from PSWE enhanced expression of the osteogenic transcription factor Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase. The soyasaponin Bb content depended on sprouting time of peanut, and the anabolic action of PSWE was dependent on soyasaponin Bb content. Thus, PSWE and soyasaponin Bb have the potential to protect against bone disorders, including osteoporosis.

Peanut Sprout Extracts Attenuate Triglyceride Accumulation by Promoting Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation in Adipocytes

Peanut sprouts (PS), which are germinated peanut seeds, have recently been reported to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. However, the underlying mechanisms by which PS modulates lipid metabolism are largely unknown. To address this question, serial doses of PS extract (PSE) were added to 3T3-L1 cells during adipocyte differentiation. PSE (25 µg/mL) significantly attenuated adipogenesis by inhibiting lipid accumulation in addition to reducing the level of adipogenic protein and gene expression with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Other adipocyte cell models such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts C3H10T1/2 and primary adipocytes also confirmed the anti-adipogenic properties of PSE. Next, we investigated whether PSE attenuated lipid accumulation in mature adipocytes. We found that PSE significantly suppressed lipogenic gene expression, while fatty acid (FA) oxidation genes were upregulated. Augmentation of FA oxidation by PSE in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes was confirmed via a radiolabeled-FA oxidation rate experiment by measuring the conversion of [³H]-oleic acid (OA) to [³H]-H₂O. Furthermore, PSE enhanced the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR), especially maximal respiration, and beige adipocyte formation in adipocytes. In summary, PSE was effective in reducing lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation involved in AMPK and mitochondrial activation.

Medicinal plants in treatment of hypertriglyceridemia: A review based on their mechanisms and effectiveness

BACKGROUND

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTg) defines as high amounts of triglyceride (TG) in the blood which can lead to serious complications over time. HTg is usually a part of metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia. Different medications have been used to treat HTg but experimentally, many herbs have been recommended for treating HTg as an adjuvant therapy. In most cases, the recommendations are based on animal studies and limited evidences exist about their mechanisms and clinical usefulness.

PURPOSE

This review focused on the herbs which have been shown TG lowering effect.

METHOD

The search was done in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases a 20-year period between 1997 to 2017 with keywords search of medicinal plant, plant extract, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, lipoprotein lipase and apolipoprotein.

RESULTS

According to the results, many plants showed positive effects but Allium sativum, Nigella sativa, Curcuma longa, Anethum graveolens and Commiphora mukul had the best TG lowering effect with exact mechanisms of action.

CONCLUSION

It seems that use of these plants as complementary therapeutics or extraction of their active ingredients along with currently available drugs will improve the management of HTg in patients.

Preventive Effects of Resveratrol-enriched Extract of Peanut Sprout on Bacteria- and Estradiol-induced Prostatitis in Mice

The present study investigated the effect of peanut sprout extract (PSE) as a natural resveratrol supplement on chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and estradiol-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PSE contained a high level of resveratrol (148.51 ± 3.05 μg/g), and was tested on the mouse models of CBP (induced by Escherichia coli 292 infection) and BPH (induced by treatment with β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone). PSE toxicity was assessed on the basis of changes in body weight, alanine aminotransferase activity (an indicator of hepatotoxicity), and expression of the kidney injury marker KIM-1. The effects of PSE on the histopathology of prostate tissue, the proportion of neutrophils, and immune cell profiles in the blood and spleen were examined. PSE administration did not result in any toxicity but reduced the bacterial burden and histopathological changes in the prostate. In addition, lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+) in the spleen were significantly increased after PSE administration in CBP mice, suggesting immune enhancement. PSE treatment of bone marrow–derived macrophages increased the expression of CD40, which is related to the pro-inflammatory function and host defense against pathogens. It is concluded that PSE would be a good supplement for the mitigation of prostate hyperplasia and prostatitis.

Plants with potential use on obesity and its complications

Obesity is the most prevalent nutritional disease and a growing public health problem worldwide. This disease is a causal component of the metabolic syndrome related with abnormalities, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, inflammation, among others. There are anti-obesity drugs, affecting the fundamental processes of the weight regulation; however they have shown serious side effects, which outweigh their beneficial effects. Most recent studies on the treatment of obesity and its complications have focused on the potential role of different plants preparation that can exert a positive effect on the mechanisms involved in this pathology. For instance, anti-obesity effects of green tea and its isolated active principles have been reported in both in vitro (cell cultures) and in vivo (animal models) that possess healthy effects, decreasing adipose tissue through reduction of adipocytes differentiation and proliferation. A positive effect in lipid profile, and lipid and carbohydrates metabolisms were demonstrated as well. In addition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were studied. However, the consumption of green tea and its products is not that common in Western countries, where other plants with similar bioactivity predominate; nevertheless, the effect extension has not been analyzed in depth, despite of their potential as alternative treatment for obesity. In this review the anti-obesity potential and reported mechanisms of action of diverse plants such as: Camellia sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hypericum perforatum, Persea americana, Phaseolus vulgaris, Capsicum annuum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ilex paraguariensis, Citrus paradisi, Citrus limon, Punica granatum, Aloe vera, Taraxacum officinale and Arachis hypogaea is summarized. We consider the potential of these plants as natural alternative treatments of some metabolic alterations associated with obesity.

The supplementation effects of peanut sprout on reduction of abdominal fat and health indices in overweight and obese women

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of peanut sprout extracts (PSE) on health indices in overweight and obese women (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m²).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Subjects were divided into three groups by double-blind randomized trial; the Placebo group (n = 15) and the Low PSE group (2.6 g PSE/day, n = 15), and the High PSE group (5.8 g PSE/day, n = 15). Subjects consumed 12 capsules per day, three times a day, 30 min before meals, for 4 weeks. Anthropometric data, blood biochemical variables, and dietary intake were evaluated before and after the experiments.

RESULTS

In the Low and High PSE group, the waist circumference showed a significant decrease between pre- and post-test. In the Low PSE group, the reduction of systolic blood pressure between pre- and post-test was statistically significant. Serum LDL or triglyceride levels in both Low and High PSE groups were significantly decreased, and serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were significantly decreased only in the Low PSE group. The parameters regarding erythrocyte and leucocyte counts showed no significant differences between pre- and post-test among groups, which suggested the safety of intake of peanut sprouts as a dietary supplement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that PSE supplementation improves abdominal obesity and overall health indices. Therefore, an appropriate amount of peanut sprouts may be a plausible effective agent for obesity and obesity related health problems in obese women.