Antioxidant Activity of Sprouts Extracts Is Correlated with Their Anti-Obesity and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Abstract

Obesity is closely associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation leading to related metabolic diseases. Some natural extracts or polyphenols reportedly possess anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects as well as antioxidant activity. In this study, we assessed the correlations between the antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory activities of plant extracts with potent antioxidant activity in diet-induced obese mice. Sprouts of Cedrela sinensis (CS) and Oenothera biennis L. (OB) were selected as the most potent antioxidant plant based on analysis of in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts of ten different edible plants. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and orally treated with 50% ethanol extract of CS or OB at 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight 5 days a week for 14 weeks. Body weight gain, weight of adipose tissue, adipocyte size, and levels of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers were investigated. The CS or OB extract reduced body weight gain, visceral adipose tissue weight, adipocyte size, and plasma leptin levels, and expressions of adipogenic genes (PPARγ and fatty acid synthase) in the adipose tissue and liver of HFD-fed mice. Both extracts also reduced mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and oxidative stress-related genes (heme oxygenase- (HO-) 1 and p40phox). Body weight gain of mice was significantly correlated with visceral adipose tissue weight and adipocyte size. Body weight gain and adipocyte size were significantly correlated with plasma total cholesterol and 8-epi PGF2α levels, mRNA levels of leptin, HO-1, p40phox, and CD-11 in the adipose tissue, and mRNA levels of TNF-α in the adipose tissue and liver. These results suggest that the CS and OB extracts with potent antioxidant activity may inhibit fat deposition in adipose tissue and subsequent inflammation.

Leaves of Cedrela sinensis Attenuate Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression-like Behavior via Regulation of Hormonal and Inflammatory Imbalance

“…In this study, chronic stress exposure increased the inflammatory response and cellular cytotoxicity in brain tissue; however, EFCS downregulated the inflammatory expression levels of caspase-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, p-JNK, Bax, and p-tau in brain tissues ( Figure 8 and Figure 9 ). Similar to these studies, sprouts of Cedrela sinensis suppressed the levels of cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α and increased antioxidative enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and SOD levels [ 86 ]. Rutin contained in Cedrela sinensis significantly decreased p-JNK, Bax, and caspase-3 levels in CdCl 2 -treated rat brain [ 87 ].…”

Comprehensive Study of Anti-UVC Activity and Cytotoxicity of Hot-water Soluble Herb Extracts

“…It has been also reported that Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) induced a small but significant reactivation of senescent human dermal fibroblasts (19). It also showed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions in diet-induced obese mice (20). Likewise, Stevia rebaudiana extract rich in phenols and flavonoids possessed significant antioxidant activities and a promising whitening effect, having potential use as active ingredients in cosmetic products (21).…”

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activities of Geniotrigona thoracica Propolis Extracts Derived from Different Locations in Malaysia

“…Stingless bee propolis exhibits antioxidant activity that can counteract, and repair cellular damage induced by free radicals [10]. These free radicals are constantly generated within human bodies during regular metabolic processes and can impair cellular function, potentially initiating the development of pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological disorders [11].…”