Ubá mango juices intake decreases adiposity and inflammation in high-fat diet-induced obese Wistar rats

Supplementation with Jatobá-do-cerrado flour (Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart.) decreases hypothalamic inflammation and improves obesity parameters in rats on a high-fat diet

To evaluate the impact of jatobá-do-cerrado flour on nutritional, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers, an study was conducted using male Wistar rats. These animals were allocated into four groups: a standard diet (Control), a high-fat diet (HFD), a diet with jatobá-do-cerrado flour (JCF), and a combination of high-fat diet and jatobá-do-cerrado flour (HFD + JCF). Comprehensive evaluations included food intake, cytokine concentrations, and redox status indicators. HFD group exhibited increased caloric intake and fat mass, elevated circulating IL-6, and heightened lipid peroxidation markers. This group also showed increased hypothalamic concentrations of IL-6, TNFα, and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, the HFD + JCF group showed reduced caloric intake, fat mass, and improvements in redox balance and inflammatory markers both in the blood and hypothalamus. SUMMARY: In the current study, we evaluated the potential of Jatobá-do-cerrado flour in mitigating the effects of a high-fat diet in adult Wistar rats. The addition of fat to the animals' diet for 63 days induced obesity, dyslipidemia, as well as an increase in inflammatory and lipid peroxidation markers, both in the blood and hypothalamus. Conversely, supplementation with Jatobá-do-Cerrado flour showed anti-obesogenic effects and these may be associated with the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, supplementation with this flour has the potential to be a functional food for the treatment or prevention of obesity.

Hypertrophy and ER Stress Induced by Palmitate Are Counteracted by Mango Peel and Seed Extracts in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

A diet rich in saturated fatty acids (FAs) has been correlated with metabolic dysfunction and ROS increase in the adipose tissue of obese subjects. Thus, reducing hypertrophy and oxidative stress in adipose tissue can represent a strategy to counteract obesity and obesity-related diseases. In this context, the present study showed how the peel and seed extracts of mango (Mangifera indica L.) reduced lipotoxicity induced by high doses of sodium palmitate (PA) in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mango peel (MPE) and mango seed (MSE) extracts significantly lowered PA-induced fat accumulation by reducing lipid droplet (LDs) and triacylglycerol (TAGs) content in adipocytes. We showed that MPE and MSE activated hormone-sensitive lipase, the key enzyme of TAG degradation. In addition, mango extracts down-regulated the adipogenic transcription factor PPARγ as well as activated AMPK with the consequent inhibition of acetyl-CoA-carboxylase (ACC). Notably, PA increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers GRP78, PERK and CHOP, as well as enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in adipocytes. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in cell viability and the induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, MPE and MSE counteracted PA-induced lipotoxicity by reducing ER stress markers and ROS production. In addition, MPE and MSE increased the level of the anti-oxidant transcription factor Nrf2 and its targets MnSOD and HO-1. Collectively, these results suggest that the intake of mango extract-enriched foods in association with a correct lifestyle could exert beneficial effects to counteract obesity.

The association between healthy beverage index and quality of life among overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Although several studies have evaluated the association between patterns of beverage consumption with different components of quality of life separately, the findings are controversial. In addition, none have examined all components of quality of life together in relation to patterns of beverage consumption. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the association between healthy beverage index (HBI) and quality of life among overweight and obese women.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, 210 obese and overweight women were recruited from health centers in Tehran, Iran. Using reliable and verified standard protocols, data on beverage intake, socio-demographic, physical activity, and anthropometric variables were assessed. Based on past studies, the predetermined HBI was estimated. Serum samples were used to determine biochemical characteristics, and quality of life was assessed using SF-36 questionnaires.

RESULTS

There was a significant association between total QoL score with T2 tertile of HBI in the adjusted model (β: 13.11, 95% CI: 1.52, 24.69, p-value = 0.027). General health had a significant negative association with T2 (β: -5.83; 95% CI: - 11.48, - 0.18; p-value = 0.043) and T3 (β: -6.20; 95% CI: - 12.37, - 0.03; p-value = 0.049). Women with greater adherence to the HBI had a higher physical functioning score, and there was a significant upward trend from the second to the third tertile (7.74 vs 0.62) (-trend = 0.036). There was a significant positive association between mental health with T3 of HBI (β: 4.26; 95% CI: 1.51, 5.98; p-value = 0.015) and a significant increasing trend was observed with increasing tertiles (P-trend = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there is a significant association between total QoL score, and its components, with HBI among overweight and obese women. However, additional well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

A Comprehensive Review on Anti-obesity Potential of Medicinal Plants and their Bioactive Compounds

Background:

Obesity is a complex health and global epidemic issue. It is an increasing global health challenge covering significant social and economic costs. Abnormal accumulation of fat in the body may increase the health risks including diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cancer. Synthetic drugs available on the market reported to have several side effects. Therefore, the management of obesity got to involve the traditional use of medicinal plants which helps to search the new therapeutic targets and supports the research and development of anti-obesity drugs.

Objective:

This review aim to update the data and provide a comprehensive report of currently available knowledge of medicinal plants and phyto-chemical constituents reported for their anti-obesity activity.

Methodology:

An electronic search of the periodical databases like Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, Niscair, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar with information reported the period 1991-2019, was used to retrieve published data.

Results:

A comprehensive report of the present review manuscript is an attempt to list the medicinal plants with anti-obesity activity. The review focused on plant extracts, isolated chemical compounds with their mechanism of action and their preclinical experimental model, clinical studies for further scientific research.

Conclusion:

This review is the compilation of the medicinal plants and their constituents reported for the managements of obesity. The data will fascinate the researcher to initiate further research that may lead to the drug for the management of obesity and their associated secondary complications. Several herbal plants and their respective lead constituents were also screened by preclinical In-vitro and In-vivo, clinical trials and are effective in the treatment of obesity. Therefore, there is a need to develop and screen large number of plant extracts and this approach can surely be a driving force for the discovery of anti-obesity drugs from medicinal plants.

Effects of fresh mango consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In vitro and animal studies show antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties of mangos. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of fresh mango consumption compared to an isocaloric control snack on body weight, glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, liver function enzymes, inflammation, and antioxidant activity in overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥26 kg/m²).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a crossover design, 27 participants consumed 100 kcal/d of fresh mangos or isocaloric low-fat cookies daily for 12 weeks each, separated by a four-week washout period. Blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), and aspartate transaminase activity significantly decreased while total antioxidant capacity significantly increased following mango consumption. There were no significant changes in body weight, body fat %, blood pressure, insulin, or lipid profile following mango consumption. Cookie consumption significantly increased body weight, insulin, CRP, and triglycerides.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that relative to the control snack, mangos may improve certain risk factors associated with overweight and obesity including improved glycemic control and reduced inflammation.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER

NCT03957928.

Fresh Mango Consumption Promotes Greater Satiety and Improves Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Responses in Healthy Overweight and Obese Adults

Mangos are an understudied fruit rich in fiber and polyphenols that have been linked to better metabolic outcomes and promotion of satiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mango consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and satiety responses. Using a randomized crossover study design, 23 overweight and obese men and women consumed 100 kcal snacks of fresh mangos or isocaloric low-fat cookies on two separate occasions. Insulin and satiety hormones were measured at baseline and 45 min post-snack consumption. Glucose was measured at baseline, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after snack consumption. Satiety questionnaires were completed at baseline and every 20 min for 120 min post-consumption. Both mangos and low-fat cookies increased insulin, with a significantly lower increase for mangos compared with low-fat cookies at 45 min post-snack consumption (P ≤ .05). Glucose increased at 30 min for both snacks; however, the increase was significantly higher for low-fat cookie consumption (P ≤ .05). Cholecystokinin increased after mangos and low-fat cookie consumption (P ≤ .05); however, no differences were detected between the snacks. Adiponectin increased after mango consumption (P ≤ .05) but not after low-fat cookies. Mango consumption reduced hunger, anticipated food consumption and thirst, and increased feelings of fullness (P ≤ .05). Low-fat cookie consumption increased fullness for a shorter time period and did not reduce participants' desire to eat. These results suggest that relative to a refined cookie snack, mangos promote greater satiety and improve postprandial glycemic responses. Future research on long-term effects of mango consumption on food intake, weight control, and glucose homeostasis is warranted. Clinical Trial Registration number: #NCT03957928.

Kombuchas from green and black teas reduce oxidative stress, liver steatosis and inflammation, and improve glucose metabolism in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green and black tea kombuchas consumption on adiposity, lipid and glucose metabolism, liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Wistar rats, after 8 weeks to induce metabolic alterations, were divided into an AIN-93M control group, HFHF control group, green tea kombucha + HFHF diet (GTK group), and black tea kombucha + HFHF diet (BTK group), for 10 weeks. The kombuchas improved glucose metabolism, plasma total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased nitric oxide concentration. Moreover, both kombuchas reduced systemic inflammation by decreasing the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), reduced the total adipose tissue and blood triglyceride, and reverted liver steatosis (from grade 2 to 1), besides the modulation of genes related to adipogenesis and β-oxidation. Therefore, kombuchas from green and black teas have bioactive properties that can help control metabolic alterations induced by the HFHF diet.

Germinated millet flour (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR.) improves adipogenesis and glucose metabolism and maintains thyroid function in vivo

This study investigated the effects of germinated millet flour on adipogenesis, insulin resistance, glucose tolerance and thyroid function in Wistar rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF). The experiment was divided into two phases. Phase 1: control group, which received an AIN-93M diet (n = 10) and HFHF group (n = 20), which received a diet rich in saturated fat (31%) and fructose (20%), for eight weeks. Phase 2: intervention: the control group maintained the AIN-93M diet (n = 10) and the HFHF group was divided into two groups: the HFHF (n = 10) and the germinated millet group (n = 10), for 10 weeks. The germinated millet flour maintained (p > 0, 05) the plasma levels of thyroid hormones, increased (p < 0.05) the insulin receptor (INSR) mRNA expression, protein kinase B (AKT) mRNA expression and the phospho-AKT1 protein concentration, phosphofructokinase (PFK) mRNA, pyruvate kinase (PK) mRNA and activated protein kinase (AMPK) mRNA expression, and the brown adipose tissue and reduced (p < 0.05) the glucose triglyceride index (TyG), glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and hypercorticosteronemia, compared to the HFHF group. These effects contributed to reduce the gluconeogenesis, hyperinsulinemia and adiposity. Thus, germinated millet flour is a good alternative for modulating the adipogenesis and glucose metabolism, without interfering with the thyroid hormones, in rats with an insulin resistance condition with a high-fat high-fructose diet.

Potentially obesogenic diets alter metabolic and neurobehavioural parameters in Wistar rats: a comparison between two dietary models

BACKGROUND

Clinical studies related to the obesity pandemic have intensified in recent years, being the animal studies are also considered of great relevance. However, despite the fact that many diets have been reported in the literature to induce obesity in animal models, there is still a gap regarding evidence of the efficacy of these models, considering not only changes in somatic parameters, but also the triggering of comorbidities associated with obesity. In this scenario, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of western and cafeteria diets as obesity-inducing protocols, focusing on the evaluation of metabolic, somatic, oxidative, histological and behavioural parameters of Wistar rats.

METHODS

The rats were fed a control (CON), western (WTD) or cafeteria (CAF) diet for 16 weeks.

RESULTS

The CAF diet caused anxiogenic-like behaviour. Body mass (BMI), Lee and adiposity indices increased in the CAF group. CAF and WTD diets reduced glucose and insulin tolerance, caused dyslipidemia, increased lipid peroxidation and decrease antioxidant capacity in the liver, kidneys and brain. The WTD and CAF groups shows greater IL-6 protein expression in adipose tissue, developed hepatic steatosis and ischaemic neurons, whereas interstitial nephritis was observed only in the CAF group.

CONCLUSION

The CAF diet was most effective in inducing obesity, as shown both by the somatic parameters and by the greater number of obesity-related metabolic and neurobehavioural disorders in the evaluated rats.

Revalorization of bioactive compounds from tropical fruit by-products and industrial applications by means of sustainable approaches

Tropical fruits trade is on the rise due to the claimed health benefits related with their consumption. Functional activities are exerted by the presence of bioactive compounds which could be used for prevention or amelioration diseases. However, the occurrence of bioactive compounds is found mainly in non-edible fraction of tropical fruits which are usually discarded. Therefore, the revalorization of tropical fruits by-products as source of functional compounds is on the cutting-edge research. The implementation of this challenge not only allows the enhancement of the tropical fruits by-products management, but also the production of value-added products. This review compiles the latest comprehensive information about the revalorization of bioactive compounds from tropical fruits by-products. A revision of the sustainable green technologies used for the isolation of valuable compounds has been carried out as well as the current food, functional, cosmeceutical and bioenergetics industrial applications of bioactive compounds extracted from tropical fruits by-products.

Biochemical and nutritional overview of diet-induced metabolic syndrome models in rats: what is the best choice?

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a condition that includes obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemias among other, abnormalities that favors type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases development. Three main diet-induced metabolic syndrome models in rats exist: High carbohydrate diet (HCHD), high fat diet (HFD), and high carbohydrate-high fat diet (HCHHFD). We analyzed data from at least 35 articles per diet, from different research groups, to determine their effect on the development of the MS, aimed to aid researchers in choosing the model that better suits their research question; and also the best parameter that defines obesity, as there is no consensus to determine this condition in rats. For the HCHD we found a mild effect on body weight gain and fasting blood glucose levels (FBG), but significant increases in triglycerides, fasting insulin, insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation. HFD had the greater increase in the parameters previously mentioned, followed by HCHHFD, which had a modest effect on FBG levels. Therefore, to study early stages of MS a HCHD is recommended, while HFD and HCHHFD better reproduce more severe stages of MS. We recommend the assessment of visceral fat accumulation as a good estimate for obesity in the rat.

Influence of the formula on the properties of a fast dispersible fruit tablet made from mango, Chlorella, and cactus powder

Tableting of fruit powders is gaining popularity because of the advantages it brings in, such as ease of storage, transportation, and use, and effervescent tablets could be a good alternative to accomplish fast dissolving. The present study provides a specific effervescent tablet formulation that is appropriate for the delivery of mango, cactus, and Chlorella fruit powder. The direct compression method was employed. A series of disintegration time, tensile strength, and moisture content tests were performed on the different formulations at each stage. The effects of effervescent agents' ratio, fruit powder proportion, acid and alkali content, and mannitol and lactose content on tablet properties were investigated. The results indicated that the tablet properties were highly influenced by formulation, especially the ratios of effervescent agents, fruit powders, acid to alkali ratio, as well as mannitol to lactose ratio. The best performing formulation was as follows, 45% effervescent agents (citric acid monohydrate:sodium bicarbonate = 1.3:1), 35% adhesives (mannitol:lactose = 1:8), and 20% mixed fruit powders (mango:cactus:Chlorella fruit powders = 14:5:1). With this formula, the moisture content was 3.62% and the disintegration time was 154 s, as well as a sufficient tensile strength of 2.32 MPa. Our study presented useful findings regarding the specific effects of changing ingredient ratios on tablet strength and other properties and provided a basis for the potential of using mango, cactus and microalgae powders as novel functional ingredients for fruit powder effervescent tablets. This may be used as a basis for further research on tableting.

Evolution of bioactive compounds of three mango cultivars (Mangifera indica L.) at different maturation stages analyzed by HPLC-DAD-q-TOF-MS

Mango is an important natural source of bioactive compounds with functional properties. However, factors such as variety and maturation stage can have a great influence on the bioactive composition. In this sense, a comprehensive study of chemical composition of three spanish mango varieties (Keitt, Kent and Osteen) at five ripening stages was conducted. The analysis by HPLC-DAD-q-TOF-MS revealed the presence of more than seventy compounds from different chemical families. Subsequently, PCA evidenced that ripening process entailed an important decrease on phenolic compounds which was being more accentuated in Keitt variety. On the other hand, Osteen was revealed as the poorest variety on phenolic compounds meanwhile mangoes from Keitt variety exhibited the major quantities of gallotannins and mono and di-galloyl species at the earliest maturation stages. Therefore, from a functional point of view, unripe mango from Keitt variety seems to be an excellent natural source of bioactive compounds.

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) juice fermented with autochthonous Lactobacillus plantarum S-811

The present study aimed at investigating the lactic fermentation of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit juice with the autochthonous and potentially probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum S-811. L. plantarum S-811 was able to quickly acidify the juice with a decrease in the pH from 5.5 to 3.7 and a production of 5.06 g l-1 of lactic acid. Fermentation of cactus pear juice led to conservation of its health-promoting properties and it markedly promoted antioxidant mechanisms in yeast cells, showing in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model a protective effect of up to 11 times against H2O2 (4 mM), compared to yeasts not supplemented with the fermented juice. Administration of fermented juice to obese mice caused a significant decrease in the body weight gain and ameliorated the insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipemia that characterize obesity. These results reveal the potential of the cactus pear juice fermented with L. plantarum S-811 as a functional beverage for the prevention of obesity and related pathologies.

Dietary non-nutrients in the prevention of non-communicable diseases: Potentially related mechanisms

Among the 10 leading causes of death in developed countries are chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The effect of these multifactorial diseases on public health has stimulated considerable research aimed at investigating their primary risk factors (genetic factors, stress, food intake, and amount of physical exercise). Thus, healthful foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, oils, grains, and seeds) are sources of bioactive compounds that promote good health and disease prevention. Among their components are non-caloric substances identified as non-nutrients (polyphenols, phytosterols, saponins, and phytates), which have been found to have a role in modulating metabolic pathways, maintaining health, and preventing NCDs. The aim of this study is to demonstrate and review the performance of some non-nutrients, such as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, modulation of the antiatherogenic lipid profile (higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lower oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerols), reduction of glucose and fat intestinal absorption, increase in insulin sensitivity, and stimulation of nitic oxide synthesis.

Whole flour and protein hydrolysate from common beans reduce the inflammation in BALB/c mice fed with high fat high cholesterol diet

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a source of bioactive peptides, but little is known about its effects on hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress, and the inflammatory process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of whole flour and bean protein hydrolysate of common bean variety Carioca on inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice. Four experimental groups were included in the study: standard diet (SD), high fat high cholesterol diet (HFC), high fat high cholesterol diet and whole bean flour (HFC-F); and high fat high cholesterol diet and bean protein hydrolysate (HFC-PH). Animals fed with bean protein hydrolysate showed lower weight gain and food intake. Animals fed with whole bean flour showed lower alanine aminotransferase and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than animals fed with bean protein hydrolysate. SOD mRNA was lower in HFC, HFC-F and HFC-PH groups whereas SOD concentration was higher in HFC-F and HFC-PH groups. HSP72 mRNA expression was lower in the HFC-F group in relation to HFC-PH. IL-10 and PPARα mRNA expression was lower in HFC-F and HFC-PH groups in comparison with SD. The whole bean flour and bean protein hydrolysate reduced inflammation and the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in BALB/c mice.

Obesity-Associated Diseases Biomarkers Are Differently Modulated in Lean and Obese Individuals and Inversely Correlated to Plasma Polyphenolic Metabolites After 6 Weeks of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Consumption

SCOPE

Mangos are a rich source of gallotannin-derived polyphenols that may exert anti-inflammatory effects relevant to obesity-related chronic diseases. This randomized human clinical study investigated the influence of daily mango supplementation for 6 weeks on inflammation and metabolic functions in lean and obese individuals.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Lean (n = 12, body mass index [BMI] 18-26.2 kg m^-2 ) and obese (n = 9, BMI >28.9 kg m^-2 ) participants, aged 18-65 years received daily 400 g of mango pulp for 6 weeks. Inflammatory cytokines, metabolic hormones, and lipid profiles were examined in plasma before and after 6 weeks. In lean participants, systolic blood pressure was lowered by 4 mmHg after 6 weeks. In obese participants, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were reduced by 18% and 20%, respectively. Obese participants showed decreased plasma concentrations (area under the curve [AUC] _0-8h ) of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Correlation analysis indicates that the beneficial effects of mango supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines, PAI-1 and HbA1c, are associated with systemic exposure to polyphenolic metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

Mango supplementation improves the plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and metabolic hormones in obese participants. There is a crucial need to investigate the role of lowered polyphenolic absorption in obese individuals on their efficacy in reducing biomarkers for inflammation and other risk factors for chronic diseases.

Mangos and their bioactive components: adding variety to the fruit plate for health

The diet is an essential factor affecting the risk for development and progression of modern day chronic diseases, particularly those with pathophysiological roots in inflammation and oxidative stress-induced damage. The potential impact of certain foods and their bioactive compounds to reverse or prevent destructive dysregulated processes leading to disease has attracted intense research attention. The mango (Mangifera indica Linn.) is a tropical fruit with distinctive nutritional and phytochemical composition. Notably, the mango contains several essential water- and lipid-soluble micronutrients along with the distinguishing phytochemicals gallotannins and mangiferin. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal various mechanisms through which mangos or their associated compounds reduce risk or reverse metabolic- and inflammation-associated diseases. Health benefits of isolated individual mango compounds and extracts from mango by-products are well described in the literature with less attention devoted to the whole fruit. Here, we review and summarize the available literature assessing the health promoting potential of mango flesh, the edible portion contributing to dietary fruit intake, focusing specifically on modern day health issues of obesity and the risk factors and diseases it precipitates, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, this review explores new insights on the benefits of mango for brain, skin and intestinal health. Overall, the foundation of research supporting the potential role of mangos in reducing risk for inflammation- and metabolically-based chronic diseases is growing.

Effects of honey fromMimosa quadrivalvisL. (malícia) produced by theMelipona subnitidaD. (jandaíra) stingless bee on dyslipidaemic rats

The supplementation with malícia honey alters the lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal health parameters of rats with diet-induced dyslipidaemia.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Bombus ignitus Queen Glycosaminoglycans in Rats on a High-Fat Diet

The mechanism of functional insect glycosaminoglycan (GAG) on obesity caused a high fat diet has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, insect glycosaminoglycans derived from Isaria sinclairii, Bombus ignitus (a type of bumblebee) queen, and Gryllus bimaculatus were purified and investigated as a potential functional food. 14-week old male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks. There were five groups that received daily intraperitoneal administration of phosphate buffered saline (PBS, control), GbG (GAG from Gryllus bimaculatus) 10 mg/kg, ISG (GAG from Isaria sinclairii) 10 mg/kg, IQG (GAG from Bombus ignites) 10 mg/kg, or Pravastatin (2 mg/kg). All treatments were performed for one month. IQG produced a potential anti-inflammatory effect with the inhibition of c-reactive protein and sero-biochemical parameters of phospholipids and free fatty acids indicative of an anti-hyperlipidemic effect. Abdominal and epididymidal fat weight were reduced in conjunction with a mild increase in body weight. The level of laminin in HMVEC-C cells or fibronectin in HFD rat hepatocytes was significantly affected by these GAG treatments, which regulated adipogenesis and adipocyte function. Compared to the control rats, IQG-treated rats displayed up-regulation of 87 genes (test:control ratio >2.0) including fatty acid synthase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, with the down-regulation of 47 genes including the uridine diphosphate (UDP) glycosyltransferase 2 families, polypeptidase B, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1. The data suggest that IQG could potentially prevent or treat fatty liver or hyperlipidemia.

Herbal Formula HT048 Attenuates Diet-Induced Obesity by Improving Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Resistance in Obese Rats

It is well established that obesity causes a variety of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Despite the diligent scientific efforts to find effective ways to lower the level of obesity, the size of obese population grows continuously around the world. Here we present the results that show feeding diet containing HT048, a mixture of the extracts of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves and Citrus unshiu peel, two of the well-known traditional herbal medicines in Eastern Asia, decreases obesity in rats. We fed rats with five different diets for 10 weeks: chow diet (STD), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet with 0.04% orlistat, a drug to treat obesity (HFD + Orlistat), high-fat diet with 0.2% HT048 (w/w; HFD + 0.2% HT048), and high-fat diet with 0.6% HT048 (w/w; HFD + 0.6% HT048). It was found that both body and total white adipose tissue weight of HT048 groups significantly decreased compared to those of the HFD group. Moreover, HT048 decreased serum insulin levels in HFD-fed obese rats. At the molecular level, HT048 supplementation downregulated genes involved in lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and adipogenesis, while the expression level of β-oxidation genes was increased. Supplementation-drug interactions are not likely as HFD and HT048-containing diet did not significantly induce genes encoding CYPs. Collectively, this study suggests that HT048 taken as dietary supplement helps to decrease obesity and insulin resistance in HFD-fed obese rats.