• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.59-68
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• 2021

Objectives: We investigated the effects of Clean-DM4 (C-DM4), a polyherbal extract consisting of Coptidis Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhiza Radix, and Cinnamomi Cortex on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and diabetes in mice. Methods: The C57BL/6 mice (6 weeks) were fed a HFD for 8 weeks and then administrated with C-DM4 extract at 500 mg/kg (p.o.) once daily for 4 weeks. The changes of body weights, calorie intakes, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured in mice. The serum levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured in mice by enzyme-based assay. It was also observed the histological changes of pancreas, liver, and fat tissues with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results: The increase of calorie intakes and FBG levels in HFD-induced obesity mice was significantly decreased by oral administration of C-DM4 extract. C-DM4 extract administration was significantly reduced the increased levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, AST, and ALT in obesity mice. In addition, C-DM4 extract inhibited lipid droplet accumulation in liver tissues of obesity mice, hyperplasia of pancreatic islets, and enlargement of adipocytes in adipose tissues. Conclusions: Our study indicates that C-DM4 extract could help improve obesity and to prevent diabetes progression.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.529-534
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The leaves of Moringa oleifera (MO) and Moringa stenopetala (MS) commonly grown in Ethiopia possess potential nutritional and medicinal value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and functional characteristics of the dried leaf powder from two Moringa species to develop sustainable nutritional supplements for Ethiopians from locally grown plant sources. MATERIALS/METHODS: Freshly harvested and air-dried MO and MS leaves were authenticated and the nutritional contents, such as protein, ash, lipids, and selected vitamins and minerals, were analyzed using standard analytical procedures. Amino acid compositions were also determined by an amino acid analyzer. Nine-week-old mice were randomly divided into four groups to investigate the anti-obesity effects of Moringa. The first group was fed a basal diet, the second group a high-fat diet, and the others were fed a high-fat diet containing 0.1% Moringa leaf powder from each species. After seven weeks, serum indices related to lipid profiles from each mouse were analyzed. RESULTS: The present study revealed high protein (28-29%) and ash (7-11%) contents. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, and leucine were the most abundantly found amino acids in both species. The predominant minerals in the leaf powder were calcium (826-1,530 mg/100 g), potassium (794-904 mg/100 g), and magnesium (286-431 mg/100 g). Pyridoxine (475.06 mg/100 g) and vitamin E (34.2 mg/100 g) were found only in MS. Niacin was found only in MO at 32.21 mg/100 g, whereas ascorbic acid was found in both species (3.89 and 6.19 mg/100 g dry weight for MO and MS, respectively). The results of the animal study showed that mice on a high-fat diet containing 0.1% MO leaf powder alleviated the elevation of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol induced by the high fat diet. MO was more effective than MS in preventing hypercholesterolemia and fat deposition. CONCLUSION: The findings in this work confirmed that Moringa leaves of both MO and MS possessed high nutritional value but MO was better at preventing the harmful effects of the high-fat diet than MS.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.96-111
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• 2021

Objectives The purpose of this study is to look for pathological mechanism of disease development caused by Taedok, by studying whether stress and diet in pregnant ICR mice affect the intestinal flora and IgA (Immunoglobulin A) concentration. Methods The mice were divided into 4 groups (n=5 per group) based on the concept of Taedok: the control group (G1), stress group (G2), capsaicin diet group (G3), high fat diet group (G4). We collected and analyzed intestinal flora from maternal feces and cecal flora from neonatal mice by group. Then, IgA concentration in the maternal feces and sIgA (secretory Immunoglobulin A) concentration in the cecal contents of newborn mice were analyzed. In addition, serum corticosterone was analyzed before and after stress application. Results Changes in maternal intestinal flora and neonatal mice cecal flora by stress and diet were observed. There were no significant changes in the IgA concentration in maternal feces and the sIgA concentration in the cecal contents of neonatal mice. No significant changes compared to the control group were observed between groups before and after applying stress. However, when comparing within one subject, a significant increase was confirmed after stress application in the stress group (G2). Conclusions Based on the results, we observed stress and diet in pregnant mice affect the intestinal flora of maternal and neonatal. We were able to interpret the pathological mechanism of Taedok based on the principle of interaction between mother and newborn intestinal flora.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.179-196
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• 2019

We investigated the effect of high density lipoprotein from egg yolk (EYHDL) on serum, hepatic and fecal lipid and fatty acids (FAs) levels and on gene expression involved in FAs metabolism. Male KM mice were fed either normal diet (ND; n=20), high fat diet (HFD; n=20), or high fat diet containing EYHDL (EYHDL; 0.6 mg/g, every day by oral gavage, n=20) for 100 days. At the end of the experiment, the effects of treatments on biochemical parameters, FAs profiles and involved gene expression were analyzed. Our results revealed that EYHDL markedly suppressed the body weight gain, accumulation of abdominal fat tissues, serum concentrations of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides, hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol accumulation, while increased serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). EYHDL intake also increased total cholesterol (TC) excretions compared with HFD group. Moreover, it alleviated the severity of fatty liver and improved glucose and insulin tolerance compared with HFD. More importantly, EYHDL partially normalized FAs profiles in serum, liver and fecaces and neutralized the HFD-induced upregulation of SREBP-1c, Acaca, Fasn, GPAT and Scd1. In conclusion, our findings indicate that EYHDL may have the potential to improve metabolic disturbances that occur in HFD mice and can be considered as an appropriate dietary recommendation for the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.70-75
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• 2004

The objective of this study was to examine diet-induced changes in the expression of UCP2 mRNA in the liver and UCP3 mRNA in the skeletal muscle of mice fed a high-sucrose or high-fat diet. Male ICR mice, aged 4 weeks, were divided into three dietary groups and fed control (N) or modified AIN-76 high-sucrose (US) or high-fat (HF) diets for 12 weeks. The serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol concentrations of the HF group were significantly higher than those of the N and HS groups. The hepatic TC and triglyceride contents of the HS and HF groups were also significantly higher than those of the N group. The HS diet group had higher serum leptin and insulin levels compared to those of the HF group. Hepatic UCP2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the HS group than in the N group, but the level in the HF group did not differ from that of the N group. Muscular UCP3 mRNA level was significantly higher in the HF group and especially in the HS group than in N the group. We observed that two gene (UCP2, 3) levels exhibited a similar tendency. These results suggest that UCPs mRNA levels and energy expenditure may be altered or controlled by various dietary patterns. Further research is needed to elucidate the effects of diet on the regulation of many obesity-related genes.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.65-70
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• 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the potential effects of Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) extracts, on hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism in mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). GJ extracts (100 mg/kg, ${\times}10$ weeks) fed mice showed reduced body weight, adipose tissue weight, reduced aminotransferase level in plasma and hepatic lipid (triglyceride, total cholesterol) content. These effects were accompanied by decreased expression of lipogenic genes, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), liver X receptor (LXR), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and decreased lipogenic enzyme FAS and HMG-CoAR enzyme activities while elevating carnitine palmitoyltrasferase-1 (CPT) activity. Based on these results, we speculated that the inhibitory effect on hepatic steatosis of GJ extract containing geniposide is the result of suppression of lipid synthesis in mice fed with HFD, suggesting that GJ extract may be beneficial in preventing hepatic steatosis.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.123-139
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Cheongshimyeonja-tang water extracts(CSYJ) on high fat diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia in C57BL/6J mice. Methods : The experimental animals were divided into four groups; normal diet-fed control(ND), high fat diet-fed control(HFD), HFD+CSYJ 150 mg/kg(CSYJ 150), and HFD+CSYJ 300 mg/kg(CSYJ 300). Obesity with hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding high fat diet(40%), and CSYJ was administrated orally into mice every day for 5 weeks. The effect of CSYJ on the serological parameters for Obesity with hyperlipidemia was evaluated. Results : CSYJ-treated groups revealed significantly reduced body weight and feed intake, as well as feed efficiency ratio, compared to HFD-fed group in dose-dependent manner. CSYJ reduced significantly the serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol elevated by intake of high fat diet feed, while the increased serum levels of HDL-cholesterol attenuated levels of atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor. It also reduced the blood levels of insulin and leptin in HFD group, and inhibited lipid accumulation in organs such as liver and abdomal adipose tissue. Moreover oral administration of CSYJ decreased significantly the blood level of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), and lipid peroxide(LPO), compared to HFD-fed group in dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : These results indicate that CSYJ could reduce high fat diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia, suggesting its clinical usefulness for declining body fat and hyperlipidemia.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.503-511
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ginger, a root vegetable, is known to have antioxidant and antiobesity effects. Preparation, such as by steaming, can affect the chemical composition of prepared root vegetables or herbs and can change their functional activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of steamed ginger against oxidative stress and steatosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. MATERIAL/METHODS: The levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in two different extracts of steamed ginger, i.e., water extract (SGW) and ethanolic extract (SGE); as well, their antioxidant activities were examined. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, n = 10), high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat, w/w, n = 10), HFD supplemented with 200 mg/kg of SGE or garcinia (GAR) by weight (SGED or GARD, respectively, n = 10) for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was examined, and the expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined in the liver. Histological analysis was performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads and liver. RESULTS: The SGE had higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids and higher DPPH and $ABTS^+$ free radical scavenging activities compared to those of SGW. Treatment with SGE or GAR significantly decreased the HFD-induced weight gain. Both SGE and GAR significantly reduced the high serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein levels induced by HFD. Compared to ND, HFD significantly increased hepatic TC and TG levels. SGE or GAR supplementation significantly decreased the increase of hepatic lipids by HFD. Interestingly, SGE had a more significant effect in reducing hepatic TC and TG levels than GAR. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were altered in both the SGED and GARD groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that steamed ginger supplementation can decrease plasma TC and TG and can inhibit liver steatosis by regulating the expressions of hepatic genes.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.13-28
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• 2016

Objectives To investigate anti-obesity effects of Galgeun-tang, an herbal formula, in high fat diet induced obese mice model. Methods 24 Male C57Bl/6J mice were randomly assigned to normal group fed with normal research diet (NOR, n=6), high fat diet control group treated with water (HFD, n=6), high fat diet group treated with Orlistat (ORL, n=6, Orlistat 10 mg/kg), and high fat diet group treated with Galgeun-tang (GGT, n=6, Galgeun-tang 700 mg/kg). 12 weeks later, body weight, fat weight, liver weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, ALT, AST, obesity related neuropeptides and adipokines, ratio of gut microbiota, and histopathology of liver were evaluated. Results In the GGT group, 1. body weight gain, liver weight gain, and total fat weight gain were significantly less than those in the HFD group. 2. blood glucose level was significantly lower and insulin level was significantly higher than in the HFD group. 3. total cholesterol level and triglyceride (TG) level were significantly lower and high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was significantly higher than in the HFD group. 4. appetite-promoting ARC neuropeptides such as Agrp and Npy were significantly less and appetite-inhibiting ARC neuropeptide, Cart was significantly more than in the HFD group in qRT-PCR analysis. 5. adiponectin level and visfatin level were significantly higher, and resistin level and leptin level was significantly lower than in the HFD group. 6. the relative level of Bacteroidetes was significantly higher, and the relative level of Firmicutes was significantly lower than in the HFD group. 7. the increase of adipose tissue was significantly more inhibited than in the HFD group. Conclusions The present study showed that Glageun-tang exerts anti-obesity effects in that it. 1. inhibited the increase in body weight, liver weight, and total fat weight. 2. decreased the level of TG, and increased the level of HDL. 3. influenced neuropeptides and adipokines that are important in regulating food intake and changes of body weight. 4. modified the beneficial quantitative changes in gut microbiota suppressing the tendency toward obesity.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2017

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of water extract of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx (ACD) on obesity and glucose tolerance in high fat diet induced obese mice. Methods: Five-week-old C5BL/6 mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) containing or not containing ACD (100 or 300 mg/kg) for 16 weeks. Body weight, food intake, fasting blood glucose, and body temperature were checked every week and then organs, blood serums were collected after 16-week treatment. Furthermore oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out after treatment. Results: ACD treated mice showed no significant decreases in body weight and adipose tissue weight as compared with HFD mice. Lipid accumulations in liver and serum lipid levels were not different between ACD treated and HFD mice. However, ACD extract administration significantly and dose-dependently reduced fasted plasma glucose and glucose tolerance as determined by OGTT. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that ACD might prevent diet-induced glucose tolerance in mouse models of obesity.