Effects of Piper nigrum extracts: Restorative perspectives of high-fat diet-induced changes on lipid profile, body composition, and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats

Protective and Ameliorative Effects of Hydroethanolic Extract of Piper nigrum (L.) Stem against Antiretroviral Therapy-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Dyslipidemia in Wistar Rats

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS by overall improving their quality of life and increasing life expectancy. However, ART-associated hepatotoxicity and metabolic disorders in HIV/AIDS patients are growing concerns to clinicians, especially due to the long-term use of the drugs. This study reported on the phytochemical and pharmacological profile of hydroethanolic extracts of Piper nigrum stem (PNS) and evaluated its protective effect against tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz (TLE)-induced hepatotoxicity and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats. Cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory assays were performed on PNS. Thirty-six rats divided into 6 groups of 6 animals/group were administered: distilled water, 17 mg/kg TLE, 17 mg/kg TLE and 100 mg/kg silymarin, 17 mg/kg TLE, and Piper extract (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, or 800 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. The body weight of animals was recorded every 7 days. On Day 29, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical tests. Portions of the liver and kidneys were collected for histological evaluation, while liver homogenates were prepared from the rest to measure antioxidant enzymes. PNS possessed in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the body weight of rats treated with PNS was observed. A significant high platelet count (p < 0.05) was observed in the PNS800 mg/kg group. A considerable decrease in alkaline phosphatase and triglycerides was observed in the silymarin and PNS group compared to the TLE-only group. The findings also show a significant increase in catalase and glutathione in the TLE-only group compared to the normal group, while SOD decreased. Histological observations revealed normal hepatic and renal tissues in the silymarin, and PNS-treated groups compared to the normal control, while leucocyte infiltration was observed in the TLE-only group. These results suggest that PNS extract possessed antioxidant activity that alleviated TLE-induced toxicity. Further studies are necessary to understand the pharmacokinetic interactions between ART and PNS.

A polyphenol-rich plant extract prevents hypercholesterolemia and modulates gut microbiota in western diet-fed mice

Introduction

Totum-070 is a combination of five plant extracts enriched in polyphenols to target hypercholesterolemia, one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Totum-070 on cholesterol levels in an animal model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Methods

C57BL/6JOlaHsd male mice were fed a Western diet and received Totum-070, or not, by daily gavage (1g/kg and 3g/kg body weight) for 6 weeks.

Results

The Western diet induced obesity, fat accumulation, hepatic steatosis and increased plasma cholesterol compared with the control group. All these metabolic perturbations were alleviated by Totum-070 supplementation in a dose-dependent manner. Lipid excretion in feces was higher in mice supplemented with Totum-070, suggesting inhibition of intestinal lipid absorption. Totum-070 also increased the fecal concentration of short chain fatty acids, demonstrating a direct effect on intestinal microbiota.

Discussion

The characterization of fecal microbiota by 16S amplicon sequencing showed that Totum-070 supplementation modulated the dysbiosis associated with metabolic disorders. Specifically, Totum-070 increased the relative abundance of Muribaculum (a beneficial bacterium) and reduced that of Lactococcus (a genus positively correlated with increased plasma cholesterol level). Together, these findings indicate that the cholesterol-lowering effect of Totum-070 bioactive molecules could be mediated through multiple actions on the intestine and gut microbiota.

Totum-070, a Polyphenol-Rich Plant Extract, Prevents Hypercholesterolemia in High-Fat Diet-Fed Hamsters by Inhibiting Intestinal Cholesterol Absorption

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and hypercholesterolemia is a central risk factor for atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the effects of Totum-070, a plant-based polyphenol-rich supplement, in hamsters with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced dyslipidemia. The molecular mechanisms of action were explored using human Caco2 enterocytes. Totum-070 supplementation reduced the total cholesterol (-41%), non-HDL cholesterol (-47%), and triglycerides (-46%) in a dose-dependent manner, compared with HFD. HFD-induced hepatic steatosis was also significantly decreased by Totum-070, an effect associated with the reduction in various lipid and inflammatory gene expression. Upon challenging with olive oil gavage, the post-prandial triglyceride levels were strongly reduced. The sterol excretion in the feces was increased in the HFD-Totum-070 groups compared with the HFD group and associated with reduction of intestinal cholesterol absorption. These effects were confirmed in the Caco2 cells, where incubation with Totum-070 inhibited cholesterol uptake and apolipoprotein B secretion. Furthermore, a microbiota composition analysis revealed a strong effect of Totum-070 on the alpha and beta diversity of bacterial species and a significant decrease in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. Altogether, our findings indicate that Totum-070 lowers hypercholesterolemia by reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption, suggesting that its use as dietary supplement may be explored as a new preventive strategy for cardiovascular diseases.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of a polyherbal Unani formulation in dyslipidaemia-a prospective randomized controlled trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Unani System of Medicine offers treatment for obesity and dyslipidaemia. Jawarish Falafili (JF) is a Unani polyherbal pharmacopoeial preparation. It has been used in the treatment of obesity for a long time. Dyslipidaemia is a recognised modifiable risk factor for hypertension, ischemic heart disease and stroke. Limitations of the current conventional therapy have provided scope for research of a potential drug in this medical condition. It was hypothesised that JF may ameliorate dyslipidaemia in human participants.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the JF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective randomized, active-controlled, open-label and parallel-group study. We randomized 74 participants of dyslipidaemia into treatment (n = 38) and control (n = 36) groups. Of them, 30 participants in each group completed the trial. The participants of any sex aged between 30 and 60 years, with serum total cholesterol (TC) ≥200 mg/dl and/or serum triglycerides (TG) ≥150 mg/dl and/or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level ≥130 mg/dl and/or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level <40 mg/dl were enrolled in this study. The participants of the treatment group were treated with JF (10 gm/day) once and atorvastatin (20 mg/day) was given to the control group for 90 days once at night daily.

RESULTS

We observed a significant reduction (treatment group versus control group) in mean serum TC by 22.89% versus 19.36%, TG by 29.90% versus 23.26% and LDL-C by 29.16% versus 27.92% from baseline (p < 0.05). But the change in mean serum HDL-C levels post-treatment was insignificant in both groups (p > 0.05). On intergroup comparison, the magnitude of the difference of mean TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C levels between the groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.00.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study concluded that JF and atorvastatin were equally effective in controlling dyslipidaemia. They were tolerated well by all participants and found safe during the course of treatment.

Anti-Obesity Potential of Ponciri Fructus: Effects of Extracts, Fractions and Compounds on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes

BACKGROUND

Ponciri Fructus, a crude drug consisting of the dried immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., is a popular folk medicine used for the treatment of allergy and gastrointestinal disorders in Korea and China. In this study, the anti-adipogenic activity of extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

METHODS

Dried immature fruits were extracted and fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol and water-soluble fractions. The ethanol extract and fractions were tested for anti-adipogenic activity in the 3T3-L1 cell line. The active fractions (n-hexane and EtOAc fractions) were further subjected to chromatographic techniques to isolate and identify active compounds. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-adipogenic activity.

RESULTS

Altogether, seven compounds, including two flavonoids, one phytosteroid and four coumarin derivatives, were isolated. Ethanol extract, n-hexane fraction, EtOAc fraction and three isolated compounds (phellopterin, oxypeucedanin and poncirin) showed significant anti-adipogenic activity as observed by reduced lipid deposition in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Further, oxypeucedanin downregulated the key adipogenic markers, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors proteins γ (PPAR-γ), sterol response element binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1), CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins-α (C/EBP-α), adipocyte-specific lipid binding proteins (FABP-4), adipocyte fatty acid binding proteins (aP2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and leptin.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that the ethanol extract, hexane fraction and ethyl acetate fraction of P. trifoliata fruits possess strong anti-adipogenic activity, containing the active compounds such as phellopterin, oxypeucedanin and poncirin. Further research is recommended to explore their efficacy and safety in animal and clinical models.

Biang E, T. Tchinda A, Djomeni Dzeufiet DP, Agbor GA. Cafeteria Diet-Induced Metabolic and Cardiovascular Changes in Rats: The Role of Piper nigrum Leaf Extract

BACKGROUND

Cafeteria diet is known to induce excessive body fat accumulation (obesity) that could cause metabolic and cardiovascular changes and even death. The increase in prevalence over time and the failure in treatment options make obesity a real public health problem. The present study assessed the preventive effect of the hydro-ethanolic extract of the Piper nigrum leaf on the development of metabolic and cardiovascular changes in cafeteria diet fed Wistar rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six male rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each: a normal control group (Nor.), a negative control group (Neg.), two groups administered different doses of extract in mg/kg (E250 and E500), and a group administered atorvastatin 10 mg/kg (Ator., reference drug). The animals were fed with experimental diets (standard and cafeteria) for a period of 5 weeks. Food and water intake were assessed daily, and the body weight assessed weekly. At the end of the feeding, plasma lipid profile and markers of hepatic and renal function were assessed. Furthermore, the relative weights of the adipose tissue and the organs were assessed. The liver, kidneys, and heart homogenates were assessed for markers of oxidative stress while the aorta was histopathologically examined.

RESULTS

Cafeteria diet-induced weight gain of 30% and increased triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of more than 50%. Equally, an increase in the relative weight of accumulated adipose tissues of more than 90%, oxidative stress, and alteration in the organ structure were visible in cafeteria diet fed rats (Neg). Treatment with P. nigrum extract significantly prevented weight gain, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and alteration in the architecture of the aorta. The effect of P. nigrum extract was comparable to that of the reference drug.

CONCLUSION

Piper nigrum leaf may prevent weight gain and possess cardioprotective activity with a strong antioxidant activity.

The composition and vascular/antioxidant properties of Taraxacum officinale flower water syrup in a normal-fat diet using an obese rat model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Taraxacum officinale (L.), commonly called dandelion has been used for centuries as a natural medicine to treat inflammatory diseases including some metabolic alterations associated with obesity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on animal experiments this study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of action of T. officinale flower water syrup (TOFS) together with a normal-fat diet in the intervention of obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Obese male albino-Wistar rats (n = 8) at 25 weeks of age were fed with a normal-fat diet with or without added 27.82% TOFS (w/w) for 4 weeks. The reactivity of thoracic aorta and antioxidant capacity were studied.

RESULTS

TOFS delivered daily 926.8 μg of L-chicoric acid, 20.19 μg of luteolin and 3.379 ‬g of sucrose. TOFS showed beneficial effects by regulating blood lipids (HDL, x1.11-fold increase), thereby lowering the risk factors for atherosclerosis (TC/HDL, x0.90-fold). The antioxidant status was improved via an increase in plasma superoxide radical scavenging (SOD, x1.6-fold) and a decrease in lipid peroxidation (MDA, x0.81-fold). Moreover, the following were decreased: Cu (x0.53-fold), Zn (x0.72-fold) and the Cu/Zn molar ratio (x0.60-fold). A marker for liver damage/disease was beneficially decreased (ALP, x0.87-fold). TOFS modulated in a significant way COX-depended relaxation to ACh (p = 0.05) but not to CORM-2 (p = 0.1651) in isolated thoracic arteries, by decreased participation of vasoconstrictor prostanoids. The vascular contraction to prostaglandin F_2α was also decreased (x0.62-fold). We observed no change in the feed intake, body weight, organ-to-body weight ratio, blood glucose, CAT, FRAP, AST, ALT, TBARS/carbonyls (in heart, liver, kidneys, spleen) and carbonyls (in blood plasma, thoracic arteries); as well as F₂-isoprostanes in urine. Vascular response to the vasodilators ACh, SNP, A23187, CORM-2, pinacidil, NS-1619 and to the vasoconstrictors NA, U-46619, ET-1 as well as hyperpolarizing mechanism(s) were not modified.

CONCLUSIONS

TOFS possesses beneficial properties by regulating prostanoids and antioxidant status.

Effects of the amide alkaloid piperyline on apoptosis, autophagy, and differentiation of pre-osteoblasts

BACKGROUND

Amide alkaloidsare typical constituents in plants of the Piperaceae family. Most of the pharmacological properties of Piper nigrum L. are attributed to the major amide alkaloid, piperine. Piperyline (PIPE) is a further amide alkaloid that has been isolated from P. nigrum.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

This study was performed to examine the biological effects of PIPE on pre-osteoblasts and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN

We investigated the effects of PIPE in MC3T3E-1 cells, which are widely used for studying osteoblast behavior in in vitro cell systems.

METHODS

We evaluated cell viability based on the MTT assay, apoptosis by TUNEL staining, adhesion and migration by cell adhesion and migration assays, and osteoblast differentiation by alkaline phosphatase activity and staining. Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were used to investigate cell signaling pathways.

RESULTS

We found that at concentrations ranging from 1 to 30 μM, PIPE inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in pre-osteoblasts, which was accompanied by the upregulation of apoptotic proteins but downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. In contrast, PIPE had no appreciable effect on the autophagy pathway. Nevertheless, PIPE reduced cell adhesion and migration via the inactivation of non-receptor tyrosine kinase (Src)/focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and mitogen-activated protein kinases, and also promoted the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 levels. Furthermore, at concentrations of 10 and 30 μM, PIPE suppressed osteoblast differentiation, as indicated by reductions in alkaline phosphatase staining and activity. In addition, PIPE reduced the protein levels of phospho-Smad1/5/8 and runt-related transcription factor 2, and the mRNA levels of osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that PIPE has biological effects associated with cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and osteoblast differentiation, and suggest a potential role for this alkaloid in the treatment of bone diseases.

Beneficial effects of metformin on muscle atrophy induced by obesity in rats

AIM

A growing interest to understand the signaling pathways mediating obesity-induced muscle atrophy is given. Metformin (Met) was reported to possess positive effects on preventing muscle damage and promoting muscle mass maintenance. The aim of the present study to investigate pathways involved in Met effect on obesity induced muscle atrophy.

METHODS

Thirty adult male albino rats were assigned into two groups: normal chew diet fed group as control group (C; n = 10) and high-fat-diet (HFD) fed group ( n = 20). After 16 weeks, the HFD-fed animals were subdivided into two groups; HFD group ( n = 10) and HFD fed treated with oral Met (320 mg/day) treatment (Met, n = 10) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment; final body weight, visceral fat weight, fasting blood glucose, insulin, lactate, total cholesterol, triglycerides were measured and calculated homeostatic model assessment insulin resistant (HOMA-IR) for all groups. Soleus muscle weight, histopathlogical examination and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), forkhead box O3 (FoxO3), atrogin-1/MAFbx, and muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF-1) were performed.

RESULTS

HFD-fed animals showed significant increase in final body weight, visceral fat mass, fasting blood glucose, insulin, calculated HOMA-IR, lactate, total cholesterol and triglycerides with significant decrease in soleus muscle weight, PGC-1α and significant increase in FoxO3, atrogin-1/MAFbx, and MuRF-1 expression. Also, there was significant decrease in fiber diameter, myosin heavy chain (MHC) I content while collagen content and myosin heavy chain IIa were increased compared with control group. Met-treated group showed a significant decrease in the measured parameters compared with the HFD group. It also restored the gene expression, morphometric measures and MHC composition toward normal.

CONCLUSION

The current study is the first to provide evidence that Met could ameliorate muscle atrophy in high-fat diet induced obesity and this effect may be in part due to regulation of PGC-1α-FoxO3 pathway.

Restorative potentiality of S-allylcysteine against diabetic nephropathy through attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats

AIM

In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic potentiality of S-allylcysteine (SAC) in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NAD)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in experimental rats.

METHODS

SAC was orally administered for 45 days to rats with STZ-NAD-induced DN; a metformin-treated group was included for comparison. Effect of SAC on body weight, organ weight, blood glucose, levels of insulin, glycated haemoglobin, and renal biochemical markers was determined. Body composition by total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) and dual-X ray absorptiometry (DXA), kidney antioxidant analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; histopathological and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the kidneys were performed in both control and experimental rats.

RESULTS

SAC treatment showed significantly decreased levels of blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, creatinine, albumin, AST, ALT, creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and expressions of NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α compared with DN control rats. Furthermore, SAC administration to DN rats significantly improved body composition and antioxidant defense mechanism which was confirmed by the upregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of antioxidant genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, SAC showed adequate therapeutic effect against DN by downregulation of inflammatory factors and attenuation of oxidative stress. Histological and SEM observations also indicated that SAC treatment notably reverses renal damage and protects the kidneys from hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative damage.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the indigenous medicinal plant Albizia odoratissima

CONTEXT

Albizia odoratissima (L. f.) Benth has been used in Indian folk medicine to treat numerous inflammatory pathologies, such as leprosy, ulcers, burns and asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of A. odoratissima.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dried leaves of A. odoratissima were extracted in organic solvents (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol). The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antibacterial activity was examined using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bacterial concentration (MBC), determined by broth microdilution method against Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris) and Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus).

RESULTS

The TPC ranged from 4.40 ± 1.06 to 1166.66 ± 31.85 mg GAE/g of dry weight (DW), and the TFC ranged from 48.35 ± 3.62 to 109.74 ± 1.84 mg QE/g of DW. The IC₅₀ values of the ethyl acetate extract for DPPH, ABTS, and H₂O₂ were 10.96 ± 0.40, 4.35 ± 0.07, and 163.82 ± 1.52 μg/mL, respectively. Both methanol and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated effective antibacterial activity with MICs and MBCs values ranging 136-546 μg/mL and 273-1093 μg/mL, respectively, against the tested pathogenic species.

CONCLUSIONS

The leaves of A. odoratissima showed potent free radical scavenging property and antimicrobial activity.

Antiobesity potential of Piperonal: promising modulation of body composition, lipid profiles and obesogenic marker expression in HFD-induced obese rats

Background

Black pepper or Piper nigrum is a well-known spice, rich in a variety of bioactive compounds, and widely used in many cuisines across the world. In the Indian traditional systems of medicine, it is used to treat gastric and respiratory ailments. The purpose of this investigation is to study the antihyperlipidemic and antiobesity effects of piperonal in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats.

Methods

Piperonal, an active constituent of Piper nigrum seeds, was isolated and confirmed by HPLC, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Male SD rats were fed on HFD for 22 weeks; Piperonal was supplemented from the 16th week as mentioned in the experimental design. Changes in body weight and body composition were measured by TOBEC, bone mineral composition and density were measured by DXA, and adipose tissue distribution was measured by 7 T–MRI. Plasma levels of glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and lipid profiles of plasma, liver and kidney, adipocyte hormones and liver antioxidants were evaluated using standard kit methods. Expression levels of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, such as PPAR-γ, FAS, Fab-4, UCP-2, SREBP-1c, ACC, HMG-COA and TNF-α were measured by RT-PCR. Histopathological examination of adipose and liver tissues was also carried out in experimental rats.

Results

HFD substantially induced body weight, fat%, adipocyte size, circulatory and tissue lipid profiles. It elevated the plasma levels of insulin, insulin resistance and leptin but decreased the levels of adiponectin, BMC and BMD. Increased expression of PPAR-γ, FAS, Fab-4, UCP-2, SREBP-1c, ACC, and TNF-α was noticed in HFD-fed rats. However, supplementation of piperonal (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg b.wt) for 42 days considerably and dose-dependently attenuated the HFD-induced alterations, with the maximum therapeutic activity being noticed at 40 mg/kg b.wt.

Conclusions

Piperonal significantly attenuated HFD-induced body weight and biochemical changes through modulation of key lipid metabolizing and obesogenic genes. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of piperonal as a potent antiobesity agent, provide scientific evidence for its traditional use and suggest the possible mechanism of action.

Obesity-alleviating potential of asiatic acid and its effects on ACC1, UCP2, and CPT1 mRNA expression in high fat diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats

The present study evaluated the effects of asiatic acid (AA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid from Centella asiatica on lipid metabolism parameters in a rat model of obesity induced using a high fat diet (HFD) for 42 days. AA (20 mg/kg body weight [BW]) was administered orally once daily for 42 days, and an orlistat-treated group of rats (10 mg/kg BW) was included for comparison. Changes in BW, blood glucose levels, insulin resistance and leptin, adiponectin, amylase, and lipase levels in the blood; lipid profiles of plasma; liver antioxidants levels; and acetyl CoA carboxylase(ACC), uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) mRNA expression were observed in the experimental rats. Our results revealed that AA (20 mg/kg BW), similar to orlistat, reduced the increase in BW; increased bone mineral contents and bone mineral densities; reduced blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, leptin, plasma lipid levels; increased adiponectin, amylase, lipase levels in the blood; showed antioxidant activity; and altered mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes, including ACC, UCP 2, and CPT 1, in the HFD-fed rats. From these results, we concluded that AA possesses significant anti-obesity potential through the suppression of BW gain, lipid lowering action, development of insulin and leptin sensitivity, antioxidant activity, and increased mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes.

Ethanolic Fraction of Terminalia tomentosa Attenuates Biochemical and Physiological Derangements in Diet Induced Obese Rat Model by Regulating Key Lipid Metabolizing Enzymes and Adipokines

The prevalence of overweight-obesity and associated comorbidities have reached alarming levels necessitating the need to explore effective therapeutics. In the present work, we demonstrated the promising antiobesity activity of ethanolic fraction of Terminalia tomentosa bark (EFTT) in diet induced obese rat model. High Fat Diet (HFD)-fed obese rats were orally administered with EFTT (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight). Changes in body weight, body composition, bone mineral concentration, bone mineral density, plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, circulatory and tissue lipid profiles, and the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes, key lipid metabolic enzymes and mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), leptin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were assessed in experimental rats in the presence and absence of EFTT. At a dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt, EFTT has substantially attenuated body weight and related patho-physiological alterations in HFD-induced obese rats. These findings were correlated with histological observations of adipose tissue. The therapeutic activity of EFTT could be possibly through restoration of antioxidants status, regulation of key lipid metabolizing enzymes, expression of FAS, leptin, PPAR-γ and by synchronized control of energy metabolism in liver and adipose tissue.

Ameliorative potential of gingerol: Promising modulation of inflammatory factors and lipid marker enzymes expressions in HFD induced obesity in rats

Obesity, generally linked to hyperlipidemia, has been occurring of late with distressing alarm and has now become a global phenomenon casting a huge economic burden on the health care system of countries around the world. The present study investigated the effects of gingerol over 30 days on the changes in HFD-induced obese rats in marker enzymes of lipid metabolism such as fatty-acid synthase (FAS), Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACC), Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase-1(CPT-1), HMG co-A Reductase (HMGR), Lecithin Choline Acyl Transferase (LCAT) and Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6). The rats were treated orally with gingerol (75 mg kg(-1)) once daily for 30 days with a lorcaserin-treated group (10 mg kg(-1)) included for comparison. Changes in body weight, glucose, insulin resistance and expressions of lipid marker enzymes and inflammatory markers in tissues were observed in experimental rats. The administration of gingerol resulted in a significant reduction in body weight gain, glucose and insulin levels, and insulin resistance, which altered the activity, expressions of lipid marker enzymes and inflammatory markers. It showed that gingerol had significantly altered these parameters when compared with HFD control rats. This study confirms that gingerol prevents HFD-induced hyperlipidemia by modulating the expression of enzymes important to cholesterol metabolism.