Platycodi Radix Affects Lipid Metabolism in Mice with High Fat Diet–Induced Obesity

Abstract

An aqueous extract of Platycodi radix inhibited the hydrolysis of triolein emulsified with phosphatidylcholine by pancreatic lipase in vitro and it reduced the elevation of rat plasma triacylglycerol level 2-4 h after oral administration of a lipid emulsion containing corn oil. These preliminary results suggested that the aqueous extract of Platycodi radix may inhibit the intestinal absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting its hydrolysis. Therefore, we examined the antiobesity activity of the aqueous extract of Platycodi radix by testing whether the extract prevented the obesity induced by feeding a high fat diet to mice for 8 wk. Body weights at 3-8 wk and the final parametrial adipose tissue weights were significantly lower in mice fed the high fat diet containing 5% aqueous extract of Platycodi radix than in the controls fed the high fat diet. The aqueous extract of Platycodi radix also significantly reduced hepatic triacylglycerol concentrations that were elevated in mice fed the high fat diet alone. Inulin, which is a major component of Platycodi radix, had no effect on the hydrolysis of triolein emulsified with phosphatidylcholine by pancreatic lipase in vitro, and did not prevent obesity or the fatty liver induced by the high fat diet. On the other hand, the total saponin fraction of the aqueous extract inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. Therefore, the antiobesity effect of the aqueous extract of Platycodi radix in mice fed a high fat diet may be due in part to the inhibition of intestinal absorption of dietary fat by the saponins of Platycodi radix.

Antiobese and hypolipidemic effects of platycodin saponins in diet-induced obese rats: evidences for lipase inhibition and calorie intake restriction

“…The animal experiment showed that the body weight reduction was highly linked with the calorie intake restriction, which is obviously inconsistent with the previous reports. 1,2 We also observed that a cholesterollowering effect was mainly attributed by the reduction of LDL-cholesterol. A beneficial alteration in the hepatic tissues and fecal excretion was also noted.…”

“…A lipase inhibitor which reduces fat digestion and thus absorption, is one of widely accepted approaches in decreasing calorie intake. [1][2][3] Simple inhibition of lipid digestion and absorption is a prerequisite, but it is not sufficient for a successful long-term control of obesity. 4 Therefore, a coordinated measure to either reduce the food intake efficiency or promote energy expenditure is desirable to achieve a long-term efficacy.…”

“…7,8 It is edible and widely used in traditional Oriental medicines as an expectorant for pulmonary diseases and a remedy for respiratory disorders. 1 Platycodin saponins (PS) are the primary constituents of Platycodi Radix, 7 responsible for a diversity of effects including antiinflammation, antiallergy, antitumor, augmentation of immune response, and stimulating the apoptosis in skin cells. [8][9][10][11] In the last decade, PS has generated a renewed interest due to its pharmacological potentials for healing the diseases of adulthood such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.…”

“…[8][9][10][11] In the last decade, PS has generated a renewed interest due to its pharmacological potentials for healing the diseases of adulthood such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. 1,2 However, the evidence for the use of PS in obesity and hyperlipidemia treatment is few and sometimes discrepant.…”

“…Han et al 1,2 reported that PS shows antiobese and hypolipidemic effects in part by inhibiting pancreatic lipase; 2 however, no further evidence has been given. In our study, we examined the properties of PS and its derivatives in inhibiting lipase and its efficacy in body weight reduction when administered to high fat (HF) dietinduced obese rats.…”