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

Efficacy of Crataegus Extract Mixture on Body Fat and Lipid Profiles in Overweight Adults: A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

A Crataegus Extract Mixture (CEM) is a combination of extracts from Crataegus pinnatifida leaves and Citrus unshiu peels, well-known herbs used for treating obesity and dyslipidemia. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a CEM on the body fat and lipid profiles in overweight adults. A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted on 105 subjects aged 20-60 years with body mass indexes between 25 and 30 kg/m2. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either a high dose of the CEM (400 mg tid), a low dose of the CEM (280 mg tid), or a placebo. Body fat was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and anthropometric measurements. The blood lipid and adipokine profiles were measured before and after the administration. After 12 weeks, the reductions in the fat percentages measured by DXA and BIA were significantly greater in the CEM groups than in the placebo group. The CEM also significantly decreased the body weights, body mass indexes, and blood leptin levels. An additional per-protocol analysis revealed that the high dose of the CEM also lowered the blood levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. No adverse events occurred after the CEM treatment. Our results suggest that CEMs are safe and effective for reducing the body fat and body weight and regulating the blood lipid and leptin levels in overweight or mildly obese individuals.

Amelioration of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in a high-fat diet-fed mice by supplementation of a developed optimized polyherbal formulation

This study evaluated in vivo anti-diabetic and anti-obesity activity of a polyherbal formulation's methanolic extract containing an optimized ratio of edible seeds (Salvia hispanica, Chenopodium quinoa, Nelumbo nucifera). Diet-induced obese mice model (C57BL/6) was developed by feeding the mice a high-fat diet for 10 weeks resulting in hyperglycemia and obesity. Different doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight) of formulation were administered orally daily for 6 weeks. Fasting blood glucose and body weight were monitored throughout the study. At the end of the study, serum parameters were analyzed and histological examinations were performed. There was a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and body weight in animal groups receiving polyherbal formulation. Lipid profile was improved as revealed by a reduction in serum triglycerides and total cholesterol. Histological study showed an improvement in liver, kidney and pancreatic sections of treated mice. High-performance thin layer chromatography was performed to identify the phytochemicals responsible for the above-mentioned bioactivities. The results revealed the presence of flavonoid (rutin) in seeds of N.nucifera and in the polyherbal formulation. For the first time, this study demonstrated the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potential of the optimized formulation. The formulation can be used as a potential therapy for management of diabesity.

Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese hawthorn): a review

OBJECTIVES

Crataegus pinnatifida (C. pinnatifida), including C. pinnatifida Bge. and its variant C. pinnatifida Bge. var. major N, E. Br., has traditionally been used as a homologous plant for traditional medicine and food in ethnic medical systems in China. Crataegus pinnatifida, especially its fruit, has been used for more than 2000 years to treat indigestion, stagnation of meat, hyperlipidemia, blood stasis, heart tingling, sores, etc. This review aimed to provide a systematic summary on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications of C. pinnatifida.

KEY FINDINGS

This plant contains flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, organic acids, saccharides and essential oils. Experimental studies showed that it has hypolipidemic, antimyocardial, anti-ischemia, antithrombotic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic neuroprotective activity, etc. Importantly, it has good effects in treating diseases of the digestive system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.

SUMMARY

There is convincing evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies supporting the traditional uses of C. pinnatifida. However, multitarget network pharmacology and molecular docking technology should be used to study the interaction between the active ingredients and targets of C. pinnatifida. Furthermore, exploring the synergy of C. pinnatifida with other Chinese medicines to provide new understanding of complex diseases may be a promising strategy.

An Ethnopharmaceutical Study on the Hypolipidemic Formulae in Taiwan Issued by Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacies

Globally, approximately one-third of ischemic heart diseases are due to hyperlipidemia, which has been shown to cause various metabolic disorders. This study was aimed to disassemble and analyze hypolipidemic formulae sold by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacies. Using commonly used statistical parameters in ethnopharmacology, we identified the core drug combination of the hypolipidemic formulae, thereby exploring the strategy by which the Taiwanese people select hypolipidemic drugs. Most important of all, we preserved the inherited knowledge of TCM. We visited 116 TCM pharmacies in Taiwan and collected 91 TCM formulae. The formulae were mainly disassembled by macroscopical identification, and the medicinal materials with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) >0.2 were defined as commonly used medicinal materials. Subsequently, we sorted the information of medicinal materials recorded in the Pharmacopeia, searched for modern pharmacological research on commonly used medicinal materials using PubMed database, and visualized data based on the statistical results. Finally, the core hypolipidemic medicinal materials used in folk medicine were obtained. Of the 91 TCM formulae collected in this study, 80 traditional Chinese medicinal materials were used, belonging to 43 families, predominantly Lamiaceae. Roots were the most commonly used part as a medicinal material. There were 17 commonly used medicinal materials. Based on medicinal records in Pharmacopeia, most flavors and properties were warm and pungent, the majority traditional effects were “tonifying and replenishing” and “blood-regulating.” Besides, the targeted diseases searching from modern pharmacological studies were diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. The core medicinal materials consisted of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge, and the core formulae were Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu-Tang and Xie-Fu-Zhu-Yu-Tang. In addition, 7 groups of folk misused medicinal materials were found. Although these TCMs have been used for a long period of time, their hypolipidemic mechanisms remain unclear, and further studies are needed to validate their safety and efficacy.

Pharmacological Approaches to Attenuate Inflammation and Obesity with Natural Products Formulations by Regulating the Associated Promoting Molecular Signaling Pathways

Obesity is a public health problem characterized by increased body weight due to abnormal adipose tissue expansion. Bioactive compound consumption from the diet or intake of dietary supplements is one of the possible ways to control obesity. Natural products with adipogenesis-regulating potential act as obesity treatments. We evaluated the synergistic antiangiogenesis, antiadipogenic and antilipogenic efficacy of standardized rebaudioside A, sativoside, and theasaponin E1 formulations (RASE1) in vitro in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), 3T3-L1 preadipocytes respectively, and in vivo using a high-fat and carbohydrate diet-induced obesity mouse model. Orlistat was used as a positive control, while untreated cells and animals were normal controls (NCs). Adipose tissue, liver, and blood were analyzed after dissection. Extracted stevia compounds and green tea seed saponin E1 exhibited pronounced antiobesity effects when combined. RASE1 inhibited HUVEC proliferation and tube formation by suppressing VEGFR2, NF-κB, PIK3, and-catenin beta-1 expression levels. RASE1 inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation by downregulating adipogenesis- and lipogenesis-promoting genes. RASE1 oral administration reduced mouse body and body fat pad weight and blood cholesterol, TG, ALT, AST, glucose, insulin, and adipokine levels. RASE1 suppressed adipogenic and lipid metabolism gene expression in mouse adipose and liver tissues and enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase levels in liver and adipose tissues and in serum adiponectin. RASE1 suppressed the NF-κB pathway and proinflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in mice which involve inflammation and progression of obesity. The overall results indicate RASE1 is a potential therapeutic formulation and functional food for treating or preventing obesity and inflammation.

Supplementation of green coffee bean extract in healthy overweight subjects increases lean mass/fat mass ratio: A randomized, double-blind clinical study

Objective

In this study, we have demonstrated that supplementation of a complex of chlorogenic acid isomers (CGA-7^TM) could significantly mitigate the risk of obesity in healthy overweight subjects.

Method

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, healthy overweight (body mass index ⩾ 25 to <30 kg/m²) male and female subjects (N = 71) were randomly allocated to receive 500 mg CGA-7 or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Changes in body weight and body mass index were recorded alongside vital signs and anthropometric measurements at week 4, 8 and 12. Body composition was assessed at baseline and the end of treatment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Safety analysis included serum biochemical and haematological assessments and measurement of vital signs. In addition, any adverse or serious adverse events were recorded during the study.

Results

Sixty subjects completed the study. Mean body weight and body mass index were significantly reduced in CGA-7 group as compared to placebo (p < 0.001). CGA-7 group showed significant changes in body fat (%), fat mass and lean mass in comparison with placebo group (1.38% ± 1.4% vs -0.22% ± 0.86%, 1.97 ± 1.44 kg vs -0.39 ± 1.31 kg; 0.81 ± 1.20 kg vs -0.13 ± 0.97 kg, p < 0.001). Consumption of CGA-7 significantly improved the serum lipid profile. Importantly, CGA-7 consumption in humans had no adverse effects and was well tolerated during the study. The blood biochemical and haematological parameters marginally varied in the treatment groups throughout the study.

Conclusion

To conclude, this study provides scientific validation of the functionality of green coffee bean extract and recommends the safety of the supplementation in healthy individuals.

The Impacts of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products on Regulating the Hepatic Lipid Metabolism

The dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism is one of the hallmarks in many liver diseases including alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Hepatic inflammation, lipoperoxidative stress as well as the imbalance between lipid availability and lipid disposal, are direct causes of liver steatosis. The application of herbal medicines with anti-oxidative stress and lipid-balancing properties has been extensively attempted as pharmaceutical intervention for liver disorders in experimental and clinical studies. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying their hepatoprotective effects warrant further exploration, increasing evidence demonstrated that many herbal medicines are involved in regulating lipid accumulation processes including hepatic lipolytic and lipogenic pathways, such as mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation, the secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), the non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) uptake, and some vital hepatic lipogenic enzymes. Therefore, in this review, the pathways or crucial mediators participated in the dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism are systematically summarized, followed by the current evidences and advances in the positive impacts of herbal medicines and natural products on the lipid metabolism pathways are detailed. Furthermore, several herbal formulas, herbs or herbal derivatives, such as Erchen Dection, Danshen, resveratrol, and berberine, which have been extensively studied for their promising potential in mediating lipid metabolism, are particularly highlighted in this review.

Sesamol intervention ameliorates obesity-associated metabolic disorders by regulating hepatic lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Background

Obesity has currently become a serious social problem to be solved. Sesamol, a natural bioactive substance extracted from sesame oil, has shown multiple physiological functions, and it might have an effect on the treatment of obesity.

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of sesamol on the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice.

Methods

C57BL/6J male mice were fed HFD for 8 weeks to induce obesity, followed by supplementation with sesamol (100 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]/day [d] by gavage) for another 4 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe lipid accumulation in adipose tissues and liver. Chemistry reagent kits were used to measure serum lipids, hepatic lipids, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. ELISA kits were used to determine the serum insulin and free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels involved in lipid metabolism in the liver.

Results

Sesamol significantly reduced the body weight gain of obese mice and suppressed lipid accumulation in adipose tissue and liver. Sesamol also improved serum and hepatic lipid profiles, and increased insulin sensitivity. In the sesamol-treated group, the levels of serum ALT and AST decreased significantly. Furthermore, after sesamol treatment, the hepatic sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1c) decreased, while the phosphorylated hormone sensitive lipase (p-HSL), the carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α (CPT1α), and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1α (PGC1α) increased, which were responsible for the fatty acid synthesis, lipolysis, and fatty acid β-oxidation, respectively.

Conclusions

Sesamol had a positive effect on anti-obesity and ameliorated the metabolic disorders of obese mice. The possible mechanism of sesamol might be the regulation of lipid metabolism in the liver.

Obesity and Comorbidity: Could Simultaneous Targeting of esRAGE and sRAGE Be the Panacea?

Obesity, a chronic multifaceted disease, predisposes its patients to increased risk of metabolic disorders such as: diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, etc. Recent studies reported it to be amongst the leading causes of deaths in the world. Although several treatment options for obesity abound, many of them have not been able to successfully reverse the existing obesity and metabolic dysregulation. This has therefore warranted the need for either alternative therapies or diversification of the treatment approach for obesity and its comorbidity. When the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) interacts with its ligand, RAGE-ligand activates an inflammatory signaling cascade, that leads to the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and transcription of inflammatory cytokines. This action has been associated with the development of obesity and its mediated metabolic dysregulation. In view of the increasing prevalence of obesity globally and the potential threat it places on life expectancy, this article reviewed the promising potentials of targeting endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products/soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products signaling as a treatment approach for obesity. We carried out a literature search in several electronic data bases such as: Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Google, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Medline from 1980 to 2019 to acquire the status of information concerning this. The article suggests the need for the development of an esRAGE/sRAGE targeted pharmacotherapy as a treatment approach for obesity and its comorbidity.

Effect of Sheng-Jiang Powder on Obesity-Induced Multiple Organ Injuries in Rats

Background and Aims

Obesity has become the main public health issue nowadays with poor control and has been associated with increased risk of multiorgan disease, but the specific mechanism and effective medication are still to be addressed. Sheng-jiang powder (SJP) showed great potential in preventing obesity in Chinese researches but has no trace in English reports. This study was designed to investigate the effect of SJP on obesity and obesity-mediated multiorgan injuries.

Methods

Rats were randomized into normal group (NG), obese group (OG), and SJP treatment group (SG). Obesity was induced by high-fat diet feeding. Rats were gavaged with SJP/normal saline daily from the third week and all rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks' feeding. Tissues were obtained for cytokines tests.

Results

Firstly, high-fat diet feeding led to significant obesity. Compared to NG, the level of SOD in the liver, spleen, lung, and kidney was much lower in OG (p < 0.05), while the pathological scores of pancreas, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney were much higher. SJP significantly increased SOD level in the liver, spleen, and lung and reduced the pathological scores of pancreas, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney correspondingly (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

SJP ameliorates inflammatory response and mitigates obesity-induced multiple organ injuries.