Phenolic compounds: Evidence for inhibitory effects against obesity and their underlying molecular signaling mechanisms

Abstract

Phenolic compounds are widely present in the plant kingdom. Many epidemiological studies have indicated that consumption of some plant-derived foodstuffs with high phenolic content is associated with the prevention of some diseases and that these compounds may have similar properties to antioxidants, antimutagenic agents, antithrombotic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-HIV-1, and anticancer agents. However, obesity is an important topic in the world of public health and preventive medicine. Relationships between body mass index, waist circumference, or waist-to-hip ratio and the risk of development of some diseases (such as heart disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, kidney failure, cancer, stroke, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea) have been observed. Evidence that phenolic compounds have beneficial effects in fighting obesity is increasingly being reported in the scientific literature. These in vitro and in vivo effects of phenolic compounds on the induction of pre-adipocytic and adipocytic apoptosis and inhibition of adipocytic lipid accumulation are considered in detail here. This review presents evidence of their inhibitory effects on obesity and their underlying molecular signaling mechanisms.

Anti-obesity potentials of aqueous and methanol extracts of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> Del. Leaves in high-fat diet fed rats

“…The coumarin, esculetin, from Fraxinus rhynchophylla is reported to be active in inhibiting early stage adipogenic differentiation thereby being useful in obesity management (Shin et al, 2010) and in preventing HFD-induced hepatic steatosis (Um et al, 2013). Naturally occurring flavonoids and phenols inhibit adipogenesis in vitro (Hsu and Yen, 2007) and have inhibitory effects on obesity (Hsu and Yen, 2008). Flaxseed lignans have been reported to show beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in diet-induced obesity in mice (Fukumitsu et al, 2008).…”

Suppression of Murine Preadipocyte Differentiation and Reduction of Visceral Fat Accumulation by aPetasites japonicusEthanol Extract in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

“…Phenolic compounds are widely present in the plant kingdom, and evidence for phenolic compounds having a beneficial effect in fighting obesity is increasingly being reported in scientific literature. 20) Boschoff 21) has discussed quercetin as a candidate for preventing obesity-related diseases. The antioxidative activity of phenolic acids has been reported to be associated with the induction of apoptosis, 2) the inhibitory effect on proliferation, 22) and the inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.…”

Sorghum: An Underutilized Cereal Whole Grain with the Potential to Assist in the Prevention of Chronic Disease

“…(95,96) However, the extent of these health beneficial effects is unclear since only limited clinical research has been reported. Reduction in oxidative stress is implicated in these protective processes, (97) therefore sorghum polyphenolic compounds may be relevant in disrupting the cascade of pathophysiological changes that lead to metabolic disease.…”