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The effect of extracts of Irvingia gabonensis (IGOB131) and Dichrostachys glomerata (Dyglomera™) on body weight and lipid parameters of healthy overweight participants Running Title: IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ in weight management

June 2015
Functional Foods in Health and Disease 5(56):200-208

DOI:10.31989/ffhd.v5i6.184

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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Project: Functional Foods in Health and Disease

Authors:

Boris K G Azantsa

Dieudonne Kuate

Université de Dschang

Ghislain Djiokeng Paka

Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique

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Background: Previous work reported the benefits of extracts of 2 Cameroonian spices – Irvingia gabonensis and Dichrostachys glomerata— on obese people with metabolic syndrome. Considering the physio-metabolic changes that accompany obesity, the present study investigates the effects of these extracts on healthy overweight participants over an 8-week test period. Methods: The study was an 8 week randomized double-blind, placebo controlled design involving 48 overweight (BMI 26 – 30) participants (27 females and 19 males), divided into 3 groups – placebo, 300 mg I. gabonensis extract (IGOB131), or 300 mg D. glomerata extract (Dyglomera TM). Capsules containing the placebo or the test formulations were administered once daily before the main meal of the day. No major dietary changes or changes in physical activity were demonstrated during the study. Weight and blood lipid parameters were measured at baseline, and at the 4 and 8 weeks interval. Results: Compared to the placebo group, there were significant (p<0.05) reductions in weight of participants in both test groups over the 8 week period. However, these significant changes were not observed in the initial 4 weeks, even though the lipid parameters in the test groups changed significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion: The extracts of Irvingia gabonensis and Dichrostachys glomerata, at a dose of 300 mg per day, were effective in reducing weight and positively modifying lipid parameters in healthy overweight participants. Keywords:Overweight, Dichrostachys, Irvingia, waist-hip circumference, blood lipids.

: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on body weight (kg)

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The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on total cholesterol (mg/dL)

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The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on LDL-cholesterol (mg/dL)

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The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on HDL-cholesterol (mg/dL)

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Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208 Page 200 of 208

Research Article Open Access

The effect of extracts of Irvingia gabonensis (IGOB131) and Dichrostachys

glomerata (Dyglomera™) on body weight and lipid parameters of healthy

overweight participants

Boris Azantsa,1,3 Dieudonne Kuate,2 Raoul Chakokam,3 Ghislain Paka,3 Barbara

Bartholomew4 and Robert Nash4*

1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea,

SW Region, Cameroon; 2Program in Nutrition, School of Health Sciences Universiti Sains

Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian Kelantan, Malaysia; 3Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of

Science, BP 812, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon; 4PhytoQuest Limited, Plas

Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3EB, UK

*Corresponding author: Robert Nash, PhD, PhytoQuest Limited, Plas Gogerddan,

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3EB, UK

Submission Date: April 4, 2015, Acceptance date: June 6, 2015: Publication date: June 9, 2015

Running Title: IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ in weight management

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous work reported the benefits of extracts of 2 Cameroonian spices – Irvingia

gabonensis and Dichrostachys glomerata— on obese people with metabolic syndrome.

Considering the physio-metabolic changes that accompany obesity, the present study investigates

the effects of these extracts on healthy overweight participants over an 8-week test period.

Methods: The study was an 8 week randomized double-blind, placebo controlled design

involving 48 overweight (BMI 26 – 30) participants (27 females and 19 males), divided into 3

groups – placebo, 300 mg I. gabonensis extract (IGOB131), or 300 mg D. glomerata extract

(DyglomeraTM). Capsules containing the placebo or the test formulations were administered once

daily before the main meal of the day. No major dietary changes or changes in physical activity

were demonstrated during the study. Weight and blood lipid parameters were measured at

baseline, and at the 4 and 8 weeks interval.

Results: Compared to the placebo group, there were significant (p<0.05) reductions in weight of

participants in both test groups over the 8 week period. However, these significant changes were

not observed in the initial 4 weeks, even though the lipid parameters in the test groups changed

significantly (p<0.05).

Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208 Page 201 of 208

Conclusion: The extracts of Irvingia gabonensis and Dichrostachys glomerata, at a dose of 300

mg per day, were effective in reducing weight and positively modifying lipid parameters in

healthy overweight participants.

Keywords: Overweight, Dichrostachys, Irvingia, waist-hip circumference, blood lipids.

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a multifaceted disease which generally leads to several complications and increased

morbidity and mortality related to coronary heart diseases, diabetes type 2, metabolic syndrome,

stroke and cancers [1, 2]. To become obese, healthy individuals generally experience progression

from normal weight, to being overweight (considered generally as being healthy), and finally to

obese (considered as being an unhealthy or diseased state). Treatment or management of obesity

is difficult, due the complexity of associated complications. Therefore, attempts to prevent

progression in body weight and fat accumulation, from an overweight/pre-obese condition to

obesity, can lower worldwide mortality rates related to obesity. This study investigates the

effects of the extracts of Irvingia gabonensis (IGOB131) and Dichrostachys glomerata

(DyglomeraTM) on healthy overweight participants over an 8-week test period.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A total of 48 overweight participants aged between 23 and 55 years were selected from a group

of 220 overweight and obese persons responding to a radio advertisement in Yaoundé,

Cameroon. After physical examination and laboratory screening tests, diabetics, pregnant and

lactating women were excluded. All participants were judged as healthy (normal range of

temperature, no clinical consultation within the previous 2 weeks) by the resident physician, and

were not on any weight reducing protocol. The purpose, nature and potential risks of the study

were explained to all patients and a written informed consent was obtained before their

participation. The local research ethics committee approved the experimental protocol.

Study design: Participants were given one of three different types of capsules containing either

300mg of Irvingia gabonensis extract (IGOB131, with ≥7% albumin and ≥1% ellagic acid), 300

mg of hydroethanolic (90:10, water :ethanol) extract of Dichrostachys glomerata

(Dyglomera™) or oat bran (placebo). The capsules were taken one-half hour before the main

meal with a glass of warm water. Capsules were identical in shape, colour, and appearance, with

neither participant nor researchers knowing what capsule they received. During the 8 week

experimental period, participants were examined weekly, with their body weight, body fat, waist

and hip circumferences recorded each time. Subjective findings, such as increased or decreased

appetite, feeling of lightness and gastrointestinal pains, were individually noted. The participants

were also interviewed about their physical activity and food intake during the trial, and were

instructed not to modify these habits.

Anthropometric measurements: The heights of participants were measured during the first

visit and their weights at each subsequent visit. BMI was also calculated, and served as a basis of

inclusion or exclusion in the study. The percent body fat was measured with a Tanita™ BC-418

Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208 Page 202 of 208

Body Composition Analyzer/Scale, while waist and hip circumferences were measured with a

soft non-stretchable plastic tape. In an effort to ensure intra-individual consistency, the

participants were measured at approximately the same time of the day for each visit.

Laboratory methods: Blood samples were collected after a 12h overnight fast into heparinized

tubes at the beginning of the study, after four weeks, and at the end (8 weeks) of treatment. The

concentrations of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL-cholesterol, in plasma were measured

using a commercial diagnostic kit (Cholesterol infinity, triglycerides Int, EZ HDLTM cholesterol

from SIGMA Diagnostics. LDL_cholesterol values were calculated using the Friedwald equation.

Statistical Analysis: Results are expressed as mean  SEM. Paired Student’s t-test was used on

the start and end values of placebo and test capsules, and also on the differences between the

placebo and test groups. In the tables in the same row, values with different letters (a, b) are

significantly different at p < 0.05 and p <0.01 respectively.

RESULTS

There were 3 dropouts, two of whom relocated to a different town, and the third, who gave no

specific reason. No adverse side effects were reported.

Effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on Body weight

Overweight participants who received either IGOB131 or Dyglomera (300mg daily) for 8 weeks

had significantly (p<0.05) greater reduction in body weight compared to those on placebo (Table

1a). This reduction in body weight corresponded to a 9-10% reduction in BMI (Table 1b).

Table 1 a: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on body weight (kg)

Variation (%)

Placebo

73.51 ± 1.08a

72.76 ± 1.28a

72.26 ± 1.25a

-1.74 ± 0.38a

Test IGOB

74.07 ± 0.85a

70.25 ± 0.90a

66.66 ± 0.89b

-10.00 ± 0.58b

Test Dyglo

70.56 ± 0.83a

67.42 ± 1.19b

64.28 ± 1.09b

-8.92 ± 0.80b

Values are means ± sem

There was a slight but insignificant decrease in weight and BMI for participants taking placebo

over the 8 -week test period.

Table 1b: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on BMI (kg/m2)

Variation (%)

Placebo

27.58 ± 0.60a

27.27 ± 0.56a

27.08 ± 0.59a

-1.74 ± 0.38a

Test IGOB

27.31 ± 0.51a

25.89 ± 0.48a

24.58 ± 0.48b

-10.00 ± 0.58b

Test Dyglo

26.67 ± 1.84a

25.45 ± 0.50b

24.30 ± 0.63b

-8.92 ± 0.80b

Values are means ± sem

Body weight, BMI, % body fat, and waist-to- hip circumferences were slightly (1.3%, 0.8

cm, 2.0 cm respectively) reduced in the placebo group over the 8 week trial period. However,

Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208 Page 203 of 208

IGOB131, as well as Dyglomera™, brought about a more significant reduction in these

parameters (Tables 1c, 1d and 1e).

Table 1c: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on body fat (%)

Variation (%)

Placebo

37.4 ± 2.4a

37.2 ± 1.5a

36.1 ± 1.6a

-1.3 ± 0.2a

Test IGOB

36.8 ± 1.4a

34.9 ± 2.3b

31.7 ± 1.8b

-5.1 ± 0.3b

Test Dyglo

37.6 ± 2.8a

35.3 ± 1.5b

32.3 ± 1.5b

-5.3 ± 0.5b

Values are means ± sem.

Table 1d: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on waist circumference (cm)

Variation (%)

Placebo

87.6 ± 2.5a

87.2 ± 1.7a

86.8 ± 1.8a

-0.8 ± 0.3a

Test IGOB

86.3 ± 2.3a

84.9 ± 2.3a

83.2 ± 1.6b

-3.1 ± 0.3b

Test Dyglo

86.8 ± 1.8a

85.1 ± 1.6b

83.1 ± 1.3b

-3.7 ± 0.6b

Values are means ± sem.

Table 1e: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on hip circumference (cm)

Variation (%)

Placebo

92.8 ± 2.6a

91.7 ± 2.4a

90.8 ± 2.3a

-2.0 ± 0.4a

Test IGOB

91.6 ± 3.1a

87.8 ± 3.3a

85.3 ± 2.8b

-6.3 ± 1.2b

Test Dyglo

92.7 ± 2.4a

90.3 ± 2.5b

88.4 ± 0.6b

-4.3 ± 1.3b

Values are means ± sem.

Effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on Blood lipids

Eight-week use of IGOB131 by overweight participants reduced plasma total cholesterol by

10.5%, LDL-cholesterol by 24.7%, and triacylglycerol by 12.2%. This treatment also increased

the concentration of HDL-cholesterol by 12.1% (Tables 2, 3, 4). A similar change in these

parameters was observed in the Dyglomera™ group; 8.45% for total cholesterol, 17.27% for

LDL-cholesterol and 14.30% for triglycerides. There was also a 13.36% increase in HDL-

cholesterol.

Table 2: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on total cholesterol (mg/dL)

Variation (%)

Placebo

187.81 ± 2.75a

186.28 ± 3.04a

183.13 ± 2.82a

-2.20 ± 0.36a

Test IGOB

186.53 ± 2.63a

174.64 ± 2.48b

166.76 ± 2.42b

-10.50 ± 0.85b

Test Dyglo

190.72 ± 2.47a

181.09 ± 2.65a

174.56 ± 3.13a

-8.45 ± 1.32b

Values are means ± sem.

Table 3: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on triglycerides (mg/dL)

Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208 Page 204 of 208

Variation (%)

Placebo

61.94 ± 2.41a

59.76 ± 2.16a

58.19 ± 2.82a

-5.75 ± 1.57a

Test IGOB

56.55 ± 2.42a

52.00 ± 2.06b

49.53 ± 2.08b

-12.20 ± 1.13b

Test Dyglo

58.63 ± 2.52a

52.76 ± 1.98b

50.40 ± 1.74b

-14.30 ± 1.55b

Values are means ± sem.

Table 4: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on LDL-cholesterol (mg/dL)

Variation (%)

Placebo

108.64 ± 2.78a

107.30 ± 3.16a

103.40 ± 2.82a

-4.85 ± 0.87a

Test IGOB

106.40 ± 3.29a

90.45 ± 3.10b

80.05 ± 2.97b

-24.76 ± 1.29b

Test Dyglo

123.00 ± 4.04b

110.76 ± 2.84a

101.43 ± 3.04a

-17.27 ± 1.82b

Values are means ± sem.

Over the 8-week test period, the circulating levels of HDL-cholesterol were also significantly

increased (p<0.05) by Dyglomera™, as well as IGOB131 (Table 5).

Table 5: The effect of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™ on HDL-cholesterol (mg/dL)

Variation (%)

Placebo

66.78 ± 1.38a

67.02 ± 1.48a

68.09 ± 1.45a

1.98 ± 0.69a

Test IGOB

68.81 ± 1.12a

73.79 ± 1.00b

76.80 ± 0.81b

12.06 ± 1.59b

Test Dyglo

65.52 ± 2.08a

70.47 ± 3.05b

74.25 ± 2.53b

13.36 ± 2.26b

Values are means ± sem.

DISCUSSION

Results demonstrated that the extracts at a dose of 300 mg per day, were effective in significantly

reducing weight, BMI, body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference. IGOB131 and

DyglomeraTM also positively modified lipid parameters in healthy overweight participants. These

findings are superior to the majority of other randomized double-blind placebo-controlled

clinical trials evaluating medicinal plant extracts, herbs and spices. For example, recently, an 8-

week study carried out on 78 overweight subjects with Cuminum cyminum L. and Orlistat 120,

showed significant decreases in weight (-1.1 ± 1.2 and -0.9 ± 1.5 vs. 0.2 ± 1.5 kg, respectively, p

= 0.002) and BMI (-0.4 ± 0.5 and -0.4 ± 0.6 vs. 0.1 ± 0.6 kg/m2, respectively, p = 0.003), in

addition to beneficial effects on insulin metabolism compared with placebo [3]. Comparing those

results to our study, the reduction in weight observed is nine times higher with IGOB131 and

eight times higher with DyglomeraTM than C. cyminum. IGOB131 and DyglomeraTM reduced

BMI 25 times and 22 times respectively, more effective than C. cyminum in overweight subjects

and maintaining participants within a healthy BMI bracket.

The activity of plant extracts can be explained through the action some of their components

have on body-fat metabolism and oxidation or increasing metabolic rate [1]. This has been

Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208 Page 205 of 208

demonstrated in trials with epigallocatechin-3-gallate of green tea, virgin olive oil, and Lycium

barbarum causing higher fat oxidation in human. The compounds may act by activating lipid

metabolism, acceleration of oxidation, suppression of fatty acid synthesis and PPARc agonistic

activity in overweight individuals, as well as in obese patients.

IGOB131 and DyglomeraTM have previously proven their activities with overweight and/or

obese volunteers (defined as BMI > 25 kg/m2). In a previous study [4] on 102 healthy

overweight and obese participants who were administered a dose of 150 mg twice daily before

meals, there were significant improvements in body weight, body fat, and waist circumference,

as well as plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood glucose, C-reactive protein,

adiponectin and leptin levels compared to a placebo group. IGOB131 was also very active in

overweight participants in this study. In both obese and overweight groups, IGOB131 activity

was attributed to the ability of the extracts to favorably impact adipogenesis through a variety of

critical metabolic pathways, including PPAR gamma, leptin, adiponectin, and glycerol-3

phosphate dehydrogenase [5]. Furthermore, compared to the placebo group, the obese group

treated with Dyglomera™ demonstrated a significant average weight reduction of 11.15 kg (-

11.33% of total body weight) (p < 0.001) after 8 weeks of treatment (Table 1a). This reduction in

weight was accompanied by a loss of visceral fat, as measured by waist circumference and lipid

profiles [6]. The same trend was observed with overweight participants (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5).

The present study clearly demonstrates that administration of IGOB131 and Dyglomera™

can be used to prevent and manage weight increase, specifically targeting to limit the progression

to obesity and the myriad of its complications. The antioxidant properties of both extracts have

been intensively documented, and are suggested to be involved with curative activity [7].

However, there are only a few and controversial studies on oxidative stress in overweight

subjects compared to obesity studies [8]. For example, one study demonstrated that oxidative

stress increases with increasing BMI and age, as a sequel to an impaired antioxidant status, in

addition to an increase of peroxides and uric acid and a disadvantaged lipid profile in overweight

subjects. In contrast, another study [9] demonstrated that oxidative stress is not involved in the

overweight status. However, it is established that lipid peroxidation is associated with several

indices of adiposity and a low systemic antioxidant defense (i.e. antioxidant enzymes, tissue

dietary antioxidants, glutathione [10], and leading to oxidative stress. In fact, in stress conditions

ROS levels increase; because of their high reactivity, they are involved in cell damage, necrosis,

and apoptosis, via oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA, in addition to provoking an endothelial

dysfunction, infiltration, and activation of inflammatory cells [11]. The anti-oxidant property of

the IGOB131 used in this study can be attributed to the presence of ellagic acid (EA). This

polyphenolic compound has been shown to be antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory [12, 13].

Additionally, its efficacy in the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome has previously

been reported [6].

The present study has also proven the capacity of these extracts to reduce body fat (Table

1c), waist and hip circumferences (Tables 1d and 1e respectively), total cholesterol (Table 2),

triglyceride (Table 3), and LDL cholesterol levels (Table 4) in overweight participants. The

observed reduction may be due to the presence of EA in IGOB131. In fact, lipid accumulation

both in adipose tissue and liver are associated with increasing weight; progression to an

overweight condition [13] and changes in weight are partially due to the metabolic reactions and

Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208 Page 206 of 208

differentiation occurring in the adipose tissue. This can explain hypertrophy and hyperplastic

expansion of adipocytes associated with being overweight and obese. Furthermore, EA has a

lipid-lowering dietary compound; its inhibitory effects on adipogenesis seem to be associated, at

least partly, with epigenetic modification. EA decreases hepatic lipid accumulation by targeting

multiple mechanisms including FFA synthesis, TG sterification and FFA oxidation. In a recent

study [12], there was evidence that EA plays separate, differing roles in manipulating excess

lipid in adipocytes and hepatocytes, resulting in a synergistic attenuation the progression from

overweight state to obesity and hepatic steatosis. EA also exerted the distinctive lipid-lowering

properties to decrease biosynthesis of FA in both adipocytes and hepatocytes, but augmented FA

oxidation only in hepatocytes. The presence of EA in extracts has also been shown to be

effective in reducing atherosclerotic lesions and increasing cholesterol efflux in macrophages.

Additionally, constituents of IGOB131 and Dyglomera including EA, may act via modulation of

the expression of PPAR- gamma required for maintenance of the differentiated state of

adipocytes, which has been reported to be involved in lipid accumulation and decreased

expression of adipocyte markers. Several other transcription factors are likely to play an

important role in the molecular control of adipogenesis like C/EBPs [14]. The presence of

albumin in IGOB131 extracts may also contribute to the activity observed, although the function

is not well understood. Albumin has been demonstrated to bind reversibly to many endogenous

molecules (e.g., fatty acids), as well as pharmacologic agents [15]. It is speculated that this

combination to other constituents can play a much more important role in buffering against

sudden changes in absorption, thereby providing more consistent blood levels, similar to like

detemir, an insulin preparation [16]. Albumin may also contribute to prolonged duration of

action caused by some of the active compounds in our extracts. Other studies proved that the

addition of molecules like albumin, a soluble 66.5 kD monomeric, leads to significant

improvement in the solubility of the poorly soluble compounds [17. 18]. Another explanation for

the role of albumin in weight reduction and lipid profile can be described from its presence in

Whey protein. In fact, the presence of albumin in whey, a dietary protein which stimulates

energy expenditure, has a greater thermogenic effect in the postprandial period compared to

carbohydrates and fats, and additionally decreases energy intake through mechanisms that

influence appetite. Whey amino acids on insulin secretion, incretin hormones released from the

gut, also seem to be involved, in particular gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like

peptide 1 (GLP-1). Furthermore, the presence of albumin in our extracts could influence

absorption process at the intestinal level, considering that the postprandial rate of protein

synthesis also depends on the speed of protein absorption and that fast absorbing protein has an

anabolic effect [19].

Abbreviations Used: GLP1, glucagon-like peptide; GIP, gastric inhibitory peptide; BMI, body

mass index; FFA, free fatty acids; TG, triglyceride; PPAR, peroxisome proliferator-activated

receptors; EA; ellagic acid; ROS, reactive oxygen species; LDL, low density lipoprotein; HDL,

high density lipoprotein ; DG, Dyglomera™, extract of Dichrostachys glomerata; IGOB131,

extract of Irvingia gabonensis.

Competing Interests: The authors have no financial interests or conflicts of interest.

Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208 Page 207 of 208

Authors’ Contributions: All authors contributed to this study.

Acknowledgements and Funding: The authors would like to thank the School of Health

Sciences, Universiti Sains, Malaysia for financial support for Dieudonne Kuate and also for an

ICCBS-TWAS Sandwich Postgraduate Fellowship for Ghislain Paka.

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Apr 2020

Yoshiaka Shiojima

Background: Worldwide, those categorized as overweight or obese are increasing at an alarming rate, posing a serious public health problem. Current management methods vary, ranging from surgery, dieting and exercise, to the use of synthetic and natural compounds. Previous studies reported the use of an Irvingia gabonensis extract containing ellagic acid in reducing weight and other related parameters in overweight participants. The present study investigated the efficacy of ellagic acid on anthropometric parameters as well as body fat ratio and blood triglyceride levels in otherwise healthy overweight Japanese adults.Participants and Methods: Overall, 32 participants (23 males and 9 females) aged between 20 and 64 years with a BMI of 25 or more but less than 30 kg/m2 and a visceral fat area of 80 cm2 or more were included in this randomized double-blind clinical trial. The 20-week intervention involved two groups of participants -placebo group and ellagic acid (3.0 mg per day) group. The placebo or ellagic acid was taken daily with water 30 minutes before the main meal. At baseline (T0) and at 6 and 12 weeks, anthropometric measurements (body weight, BMI, body fat ratio, waist circumference, hip circumference), CT scans and blood triglyceride levels were measured. Results: Compared to the placebo, ellagic acid brought about statistically significant reductions in body fat ratio, triglycerides, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and visceral fat over the twelve-week trial period.Conclusion: The use of 3.0 mg ellagic acid daily for a 12-week period was effective in reducing body fat ratio and blood triglycerides as well as other anthropometric parameters, confirming the potential use of ellagic acid in the management of overweight patients. Keywords: Ellagic acid, Irvingia gabonensis, overweight, obesity, body fat, triglyceride, body weight, metabolic syndrome.

The Effects of Irvingia gabonensis Seed Extract Supplementation on Anthropometric and Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Full-text available

Dec 2019

Background: It has been hypothesized that Irvingia gabonensis can promote weight loss by increasing fatty acid breakdown and inhibiting fatty acid synthesis. Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract supplementation on weight-related health outcomes. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in 4 databases from January 2018 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract supplementation on anthropometric measures and cardiovascular biomarkers. Two investigators independently performed abstract screenings, full-text screenings, data extraction, and risk of bias (ROB) assessments. Random effects meta-analyses were performed when 3 or more RCTs reported the same outcome. Results: Five RCTs met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. Four of the 5 RCTs were rated as having a high ROB, and only one RCT was rated as having a low ROB. Random-effects meta-analysis of the 5 RCTs showed that a significant decrease in body weight, body fat, and waist circumference was observed in relation to Irvingia gabonensis seed extract supplementation. However, the only one low-ROB trial did not have significantly different outcomes. Meta-analysis also showed beneficial effects of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract supplementation on total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. Only the low-ROB trial showed a trend of increasing HDL-cholesterol levels (net percent change = 11.61%; 95% confidence interval (CI: −6.12%, 29.34%) and decreasing triglyceride levels (net percent change = −29%; 95% CI: −76%, 19%). The reported adverse events were minor in these 5 RCTs. Conclusions: Overall efficacy of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract supplementation on weight loss seems positive but is limited due to poor methodological quality and the insufficient reporting of the clinical trials. Further high quality RCTs are needed to determine the effectiveness of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract supplement on the weight-related health outcomes.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Dyglomera® Is Associated with Activation of the AMPK Signaling Pathway in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

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Full-text available

May 2022
MOLECULES

Dyglomera® is an aqueous ethanol extract of the fruit pods of Dichrostachys glomerata, a Cameroonian spice. Several studies have shown its anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects. However, the underlying mechanisms for such effects remain unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effect of Dyglomera® and its underlying mechanisms in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results revealed that Dyglomera® inhibited adipogenesis and lipogenesis by regulating AMPK phosphorylation in white adipose tissues (WATs) and 3T3-L1 adipocytes and promoted lipolysis by increasing the expression of lipolysis-related proteins. These results suggest that Dyglomera® can be used as an effective dietary supplement for treating obesity due to its modulating effect on adipogenesis/lipogenesis and lipolysis.

The Future of Food: Domestication and Commercialization of Indigenous Food Crops in Africa over the Third Decade (2012–2021)

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2022

This paper follows the transition from ethnobotany to a deeper scientific understanding of the food and medicinal properties of African agroforestry tree products as inputs into the start of domestication activities. It progresses on to the integration of these indigenous trees as new crops within diversified farming systems for multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. From its advent in the 1990s, the domestication of indigenous food and non-food tree species has become a global programme with a strong African focus. This review of progress in the third decade is restricted to progress in Africa, where multi-disciplinary research on over 59 species has been reported in 759 research papers in 318 science publications by scientists from over 833 research teams in 70 countries around the world (532 in Africa). The review spans 23 research topics presenting the recent research literature for tree species of high priority across the continent, as well as that in each of the four main ecological regions: the humid zone of West and Central Africa; the Sahel and North Africa; the East African highlands and drylands; and the woody savannas of Southern Africa. The main areas of growth have been the nutritional/medicinal value of non-timber forest products; the evaluation of the state of natural resources and their importance to local people; and the characterization of useful traits. However, the testing of putative cultivars; the implementation of participatory principles; the protection of traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights; and the selection of elite trees and ideotypes remain under-researched. To the probable detriment of the upscaling and impact in tropical agriculture, there has been, at the international level, a move away from decentralized, community-based tree domestication towards a laboratory-based, centralized approach. However, the rapid uptake of research by university departments and national agricultural research centres in Africa indicates a recognition of the importance of the indigenous crops for both the livelihoods of rural communities and the revitalization and enhanced outputs from agriculture in Africa, especially in West Africa. Thus, on a continental scale, there has been an uptake of research with policy relevance for the integration of indigenous trees in agroecosystems and their importance for the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To progress this in the fourth decade, there will need to be a dedicated Centre in Africa to test and develop cultivars of indigenous crops. Finally, this review underpins a holistic approach to mitigating climate change, as well as other big global issues such as hunger, poverty and loss of wildlife habitat by reaping the benefits, or ‘profits’, from investment in the five forms of Capital, described as ‘land maxing’. However, policy and decision makers are not yet recognizing the potential for holistic and transformational adoption of these new indigenous food crop opportunities for African agriculture. Is ‘political will’ the missing sixth capital for sustainable development?

Irvingia gabonensis Seed Extract: An Effective Attenuator of Doxorubicin-Mediated Cardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats

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Full-text available

Oct 2020
OXID MED CELL LONGEV

Cardiotoxicity as an off-target effect of doxorubicin therapy is a major limiting factor for its clinical use as a choice cytotoxic agent. Seeds of Irvingia gabonensis have been reported to possess both nutritional and medicinal values which include antidiabetic, weight losing, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidative effects. Protective effects of Irvingia gabonensis ethanol seed extract (IGESE) was investigated in doxorubicin (DOX)-mediated cardiotoxicity induced with single intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg/kg of DOX following the oral pretreatments of Wistar rats with 100-400 mg/kg/day of IGESE for 10 days, using serum cardiac enzyme markers (cardiac troponin I (cTI) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)), cardiac tissue oxidative stress markers (catalase (CAT), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione (GSH)), and cardiac histopathology endpoints. In addition, both qualitative and quantitative analyses to determine IGESE’s secondary metabolites profile and its in vitro antioxidant activities were also conducted. Results revealed that serum cTnI and LDH were significantly elevated by the DOX treatment. Similarly, activities of tissue SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH levels were profoundly reduced, while GPx activity and MDA levels were profoundly increased by DOX treatment. These biochemical changes were associated with microthrombi formation in the DOX-treated cardiac tissues on histological examination. However, oral pretreatments with 100-400 mg/kg/day of IGESE dissolved in 5% DMSO in distilled water significantly attenuated increases in the serum cTnI and LDH, prevented significant alterations in the serum lipid profile and the tissue activities and levels of oxidative stress markers while improving cardiovascular disease risk indices and DOX-induced histopathological lesions. The in vitro antioxidant studies showed IGESE to have good antioxidant profile and contained 56 major secondary metabolites prominent among which are γ-sitosterol, Phytol, neophytadiene, stigmasterol, vitamin E, hexadecanoic acid and its ethyl ester, Phytyl palmitate, campesterol, lupeol, and squalene. Overall, both the in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that IGESE may be a promising prophylactic cardioprotective agent against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, at least in part mediated via IGESE’s antioxidant and free radical scavenging and antithrombotic mechanisms. 1. Introduction Doxorubicin (otherwise known as Adriamycin) is one of the antibiotic cytotoxic agent belonging to the anthracycline class of anticancer agents [1]. Doxorubicin is known to bind to and intercalate with DNA, thereby inhibiting the resealing action of topoisomerase II during normal DNA replication needed for cancer cell division and growth [2–5]. Doxorubicin is often used in clinical setting in combination with other classes of anticancer agents as “chemo cocktail” in the management of various types of solid and blood cancers such as breast and ovarian, leukemia (acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia), Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Wilm’s tumor, neuroblastoma, and sarcoma [6–8]. For example, for breast cancer management, doxorubicin is typically combined and given with cyclophosphamide; for lymphomas and leukemias, it is combined with other cytotoxic agents to make regimens like CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine sulfate, and prednisone), R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine sulfate, and prednisone), and ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) [9–12]. However, the clinical use of doxorubicin have been reported to be associated with major common side effects such as pain at the injection site, anorexia, fever, nausea and vomiting, stomatitis, dyspnea, nose bleeding, alopecia, immunosuppression, weight gain, hepatic and renal injuries, and severe cardiotoxicity [3, 13], while its occasional side effects include hyperuricemia, heart failure, pericardial effusion, cardiomyopathy, conjunctivitis, and skin rashes [14, 15]. Of these side effects, cumulative and dose-related cardiomyopathy and heart failure are of grave concerns to cancer patients and managing physicians alike, thus, limiting its clinical use [16–18]. Although the pathogenesis of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity has been reported to be complex and fuzzy, the pivotal role of iron-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cannot be underscored [19]. In preventing the development of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, chemocurative and chemopreventive strategies involving the use of flavonoids, especially monoHER, have been advocated [20, 21]. MonoHER has been reported to elicit potent antioxidant, iron chelating, and carbonyl reductase inhibiting effects while still protecting the antitumor activity of anthracycline anticancer agents [22]. Similarly, the effectiveness of dexrazoxane (an iron chelating agent) [5, 23], dextromethionine [24, 25], and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors—zofenopril and lisinopril [26, 27]—in ameliorating doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity have also been reported. These agents, especially dexrazoxane, are known to mitigate oxidative stress by chelating iron and catalytically inhibiting topoisomerase II, thus preventing doxorubicin-induced double strand DNA breaks [28, 29]. However, these chemopreventive agents are expensive and not readily accessible to patients, therefore, necessitating the need for the discovery and development of more effective but cheaper and more readily accessible alternatives especially ones of medicinal plant origin. One of these is the Irvingia gabonensis seed extract. Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Le Comte ex O’Rorke) Bail belonging to the family, Irvingiaceae, is known as African Mango (in English). Its other common names include bread tree, African wild mango, wild mango, and bush mango [30, 31], and its local names include Apon (in Yoruba, Southwest Nigeria), Ogbono (in Igbo, Southeast Nigeria), and Goron or biri (in Hausa, Northern Nigeria) [32, 33]. Irvingia gabonensis is widely cultivated in West African countries including southwest and southeast Nigeria, southern Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin, to produce its edible fruit whose seed is used in the preparation of local delicious viscous soup for swallowing yam and cassava puddings [34]. Fat extracted from its seeds is commonly known as dika fat and majorly consists of C12 and C14 fatty acids, alongside with smaller quantities of C10, C16, and C18, glycerides and proteins [34]. Irvingia gabonensis seeds are also a good source of nutrients including a variety of vitamins and minerals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It is also a rich source of flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), ellagic acid, mono-, di-, and tri-O-methyl-ellagic acids, and their glycosides which are potent antioxidants [35, 36]. Phytochemical analysis of its seeds showed that it contains tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, carbohydrate, volatile oils, and terpenoids [33, 37, 38] and its proximate composition of moisture , ash , crude lipid , crude fiber , and crude protein [33]. Pure compounds already isolated from the seed extract of include: methyl 2-[2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1 H-pyrrol1yl]-propanoate, kaempferol-3-0-β-D-6 (p-coumaroyl) glucopyranoside and lupeol (3β-lup-20(29)-en-3-ol). Erstwhile, the antioxidant property of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract has been largely attributed to its high lupeol content [39]. In view of the above, the current study was designed at evaluating the possible protective effect of the crude non-defatted ethanol seed extract of Irvingia gabonensis against doxorubicin-mediated cardiotoxicity in rats using cardiac injury markers, oxidative stress markers, and histopathology results as endpoint outcomes. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Extraction Process and Calculation of Percentage Yield For Irvingia gabonensis seed extraction, 3 kg of pulverized Irvingia gabonensis dried seeds was macerated in 12 L of absolute ethanol for 72 hours after which it was continuously stirred for 1 hour before it was filtered using 180 mm of filter paper. The filtrate was then concentrated at 40°C to complete dryness using rotary evaporator. The dark-colored, oily paste-like residue left behind was weighed, stored in air- and water-proof container which was kept in a refrigerator at 4°C. This extraction process was repeated for two more times. From the stock, fresh solutions were made whenever required. % yield was calculated as 2.2. Preliminary Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis of IGESE The presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, glycosides, and reducing sugars in IGESE was detected by the simple and standard qualitative methods described by Trease and Evans [40] and Sofowora [41]. 2.3. Preliminary Quantitative Determination of Secondary Metabolites in and Phytoscan of IGESE Preliminary quantitative analysis of the secondary metabolites (including phenol, flavonoids, tannin, terpenoids, steroids, reducing sugars, saponin, and phlobatannin) in IGESE was done using methods earlier described by Olorundare et al. [42]. Similarly, using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) for phytoscan, the relative abundance of the secondary metabolites in IGESE was done using the procedures earlier described by Olorundare et al. [42]. 2.4. In Vitro Antioxidant Studies of IGESE DPPH scavenging activity, FRAP, and nitric oxide scavenging activities of IGESE were determined using the procedures earlier described by Olorundare et al. [42]. 2.5. Experimental Animals Young adult male Wistar Albino rats (aged 8-10 weeks old and body weight: 140-160 g) used in this study were obtained from the Animal House of the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, after an ethical approval (UERC Approval number: UERC/ASN/2020/2022) was obtained from the University of Ilorin Ethical Review Committee for Postgraduate Research. The rats were handled in accordance with international principles guiding the Use and Handling of Experimental Animals [43]. The rats were maintained on standard rat feed (Ladokun Feeds, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria) and potable water which were made available ad libitum. The rats were maintained at an ambient temperature between 28 and 30°C, humidity of , and standard (natural) photoperiod of approximately 12/12 hours of alternating light and dark periodicity. 2.6. Measurement of Body Weight The rat body weights were taken at the beginning and last of the experiment using a digital rodent weighing scale (®Virgo Electronic Compact Scale, New Delhi, India). The obtained values were expressed in grams (g). 2.7. Induction of DOX-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Treatment of Rats Prior to commencement of the experiment, rats were randomly allotted into 7 groups of 7 rats per group such that the weight difference between and within groups was not more than ±20% of the average weight of the sample population of rats used for the study. However, the choice of the therapeutic dose range of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day of IGESE was made based on the result of the orientation studies conducted. Treatments of rats with distilled water, 100-400 mg/kg/day of IGESE in 5% DMSO distilled water, 20 mg/kg/day of vitamin C (standard antioxidant drug) for 10 days, and subsequent treatment with single intraperitoneal dose (15 mg/kg) doxorubicin in 0.9% normal saline on day 11 are as indicated in Table 1. Groups Treatments Group I 10 ml/kg of distilled water given p.o. for 10 days +1 ml/kg of 0.9% normal saline given i.p. on day 11 Group II 200 mg/kg/day of IGESE in 5% DMSO-distilled water given p.o. for 10 days +1 ml/kg of 0.9% normal saline given i.p. on day 11 Group III 10 ml/kg/day of distilled water given p.o. for 10 days +15 mg/kg of doxorubicin hydrochloride in 0.9% normal saline given i.p. on day 11 Group IV 20 mg/kg/day of Vit. C dissolved in 5% DMSO-distilled water given p.o. for 10 days +15 mg/kg of doxorubicin hydrochloride in 0.9% normal saline given i.p. on day 11 Group V 100 mg/kg/day of IGESE dissolved in 5% DMSO-distilled water given p.o. for 10 days +15 mg/kg of doxorubicin hydrochloride in 0.9% normal saline given i.p. on day 11 Group VI 200 mg/kg/day of IGESE dissolved in 5% DMSO-distilled water given p.o. for 10 days +15 mg/kg of doxorubicin hydrochloride in 0.9% normal saline given i.p. on day 11 Group VII 400 mg/kg/day of IGESE dissolved in 5% DMSO-distilled water given p.o. for 10 days +15 mg/kg of doxorubicin hydrochloride in 0.9% normal saline given i.p. on day 11

Lipid-lowering and anti-lipase properties of powder fractions of Dichrostachys glomerata fruits

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2020

Background: Fruits of Dichrostachys glomerata have in the last ten years benefited from special attention as a lipid-lowering plant. Recent studies show that biological activities of some plants depend on granulometry of their powder particles. Aims and Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess antihyperlipidemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-lipase properties of powder fractions of the fruits of Dichrostachys glomerata. Materials and Methods: The groups of rats on which the antihyperlipidemic test was done were fed with High Fat Diet and supplemented with powder fractions: ≥180μm, 212–180μm, 315–212μm, ≥315 μm and unsieved powder of Dichrostachys glomerata fruits at dose of 250 mg/kg for four weeks. For the hypolipidemic test, the diet was changed to normal diet and the powder fraction: 212 – 180μm, was given to rats for four weeks. Lipase inhibitory activity was determined using olive oil as substrate. Results: The antihyperlipidemic test showed that powder fractions reduced levels of total cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol and triglycerides, groups taken powder fractions 212 –180µm and

Thermogenic Blend Alone or in Combination with Whey Protein Supplement Stimulates Fat Metabolism and Improves Body Composition in Mice

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2018

Background Certain food ingredients promote thermogenesis and fat loss. Similarly, whey protein improves body composition. Due to this potential synergistic effect, a blend of thermogenic food ingredients containing African mango, citrus fruit extract, Coleus forskohlii, dihydrocapsiate, and red pepper was tested alone and in combination with a whey protein supplement for its effects on body composition in sedentary mice during high-fat diet. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of thermogenic foods on improving body composition during consumption of an unhealthy diet. Materials and Methods C57BL/6J young adult male mice (n = 12) were placed on a 60% high-fat diet for 4 weeks and subsequently randomly assigned to receive daily dosing by oral gavage of vehicle, the novel blend alone or with whey protein supplement for another 4 weeks. Body composition, thermal imaging of brown adipose tissue (BAT), mitochondrial BAT uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and plasma levels of leptin were assessed. Results Novel blend alone and in combination with protein supplement attenuated body weight gain, fat, and increased surface BAT temperature in comparison to vehicle control and to baseline (P < 0.5). The combination of novel blend and whey protein supplement also significantly increased UCP1 protein expression in BAT mitochondria in comparison to vehicle control and novel blend alone (P < 0.5). Conclusions These data indicate that this novel blend stimulates thermogenesis and attenuates the gain in body weight and fat in response to high-fat diet in mice and these effects were improved when administered in combination with whey protein supplement. SUMMARY 30 days oral administration to mice of a novel blend containing African mango seed extract, citrus fruits extract, Coleus forskohlii root extract, dihydrocapsiate and red pepper fruit extract reduced body weight and fat gain in response to high-fat diet without impairing muscle mass. The novel blend stimulated thermogenesis as shown by the increased thermal imaging and UCP1 protein expression in brown adipose tissue, indicating that improvement in body composition potentially occurred due to a fat-burning effect. The positive effects on body weight, fat, and thermogenesis were improved when the novel blend was administered in combination with a whey protein supplement suggesting that protein provides a synergistic fat-burning effect. Abbreviations Used: BAT: Brown adipose tissue, UCP1: Uncoupling protein 1, DEXA: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Anti-inflammatory, anthropometric and lipomodulatory effects Dyglomera® (aqueous extract of Dichrostachys glomerata) in obese patients with metabolic syndrome

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2013

Background: Increased visceral fat, dyslipidemia and increased markers of inflammation and coagulation are cardiovascular risk factors commonly encountered in obese people with metabolic syndrome. Previous studies have shown that ground Dichrostachys glomerata (DG), a spice used in Western Cameroon, can have beneficial effects on inflammation and various other cardiovascular disease risk factors. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Dyglomera®, an aqueous extract of DG (standardized to NLT 10% polyphenols) on certain anthropometric, biochemical (including pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic states) and hemodynamic parameters in obese patients with metabolic syndrome.Methods: The study was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 116 males and 202 females aged between 24 and 58 years. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and placebo. Capsules containing the active treatment (200 mg Dyglomera®) or placebo (200 mg maize powder) were administered 30–60 minutes before lunch and dinner throughout the study period. Various biochemical (namely, blood glucose, lipid profile, pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic markers), anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters were measured at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.Results: At the end of the study, the Dyglomera® group showed statistically significant differences in all 16 parameters compared to baseline values. Changes in BMI and waist circumference were accompanied by changes in biochemical parameters, with the exception of adiponectin levels which were not correlated to waist circumference and PAI-1 values. The results confirm the hypothesis that Dyglomera®, the aqueous extract of DG, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in obese human subjects.Key words: Dichrostachys glomerata extract, inflammation, obesity, metabolic syndrome

Effect of the cumin cyminum L. Intake on Weight Loss, Metabolic Profiles and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Overweight Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2015
ANN NUTR METAB

The current study was performed to determine the effects of cumin cyminum L. intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight subjects. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 78 overweight subjects (male, n = 18; female, n = 60) aged 18-60 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups to receive: (1) cumin cyminum L. capsule (n = 26); (2) orlistat120 capsule (n = 26) and (3) placebo (n = 26) three times a day for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measures and fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. Consumption of the Cuminum cyminum L. and orlistat120 resulted in a similar significant decrease in weight (-1.1 ± 1.2 and -0.9 ± 1.5 vs. 0.2 ± 1.5 kg, respectively, p = 0.002) and BMI (-0.4 ± 0.5 and -0.4 ± 0.6 vs. 0.1 ± 0.6 kg/m(2), respectively, p = 0.003) compared with placebo. In addition, taking Cuminum cyminum L., compared with orlistat and placebo, led to a significant reduction in serum insulin levels (-1.4 ± 4.5 vs. 1.3 ± 3.3 and 0.3 ± 2.2 µIU/ml, respectively, p = 0.02), HOMA-B (-5.4 ± 18.9 vs. 5.8 ± 13.3 and 1.0 ± 11.0, respectively, p = 0.02) and a significant rise in QUICKI (0.01 ± 0.01 vs. -0.005 ± 0.01 and -0.004 ± 0.01, respectively, p = 0.02). Taking cumin cyminum L. for eight weeks among overweight subjects had the same effects of orlistat120 on weight and BMI and beneficial effects on insulin metabolism compared with orlistat120 and placebo. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Ellagic acid modulates lipid accumulation in primary human adipocytes and human hepatoma Huh7 cells via discrete mechanisms

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2014
J NUTR BIOCHEM

A systematic review of anti-obesity medicinal plants – An update

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2013

Obesity is the most prevalent health problem affecting all age groups, and leads to many complications in the form of chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus Type 2 and stroke. A systematic review about safety and efficacy of herbal medicines in the management of obesity in human was carried out by searching bibliographic data bases such as, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IranMedex, for studies reported between 30th December 2008 to 23rd April 2012 on human or animals, investigating the beneficial and harmful effects of herbal medicine to treat obesity. Actually we limited our search to such a narrow window of time in order to update our article published before December of 2008. In this update, the search terms were “obesity” and (“herbal medicine” or “plant”, “plant medicinal” or “medicine traditional”) without narrowing or limiting search items. Publications with available abstracts were reviewed only. Total publications found in the initial search were 651. Total number of publications for review study was 33 by excluding publications related to animals study. Studies with Nigella Sativa, Camellia Sinensis, Crocus Sativus L, Seaweed laminaria Digitata, Xantigen, virgin olive oil, Catechin enriched green tea, Monoselect Camellia, Oolong tea, Yacon syrup, Irvingia Gabonensi, Weighlevel, RCM-104 compound of Camellia Sinensis, Pistachio, Psyllium fibre, black Chinese tea, sea buckthorn and bilberries show significant decreases in body weight. Only, alginate-based brown seaweed and Laminaria Digitata caused an abdominal bloating and upper respiratory tract infection as the side effect in the trial group. No other significant adverse effects were reported in all 33 trials included in this article. In conclusion, Nigella Sativa, Camellia Synensis, Green Tea, and Black Chinese Tea seem to have satisfactory anti-obesity effects. The effect size of these medicinal plants is a critical point that should be considered for interpretation. Although there was no report for side effect in these trials, we believe that safety of these plants still remains to be elucidated by further long-term studies.

Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases and Obesity: Role of p66Shc and Protein Kinase C

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2013
OXID MED CELL LONGEV

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a byproduct of the normal metabolism of oxygen and have important roles in cell signalling and homeostasis. An imbalance between ROS production and the cellular antioxidant defence system leads to oxidative stress. Environmental factors and genetic interactions play key roles in oxidative stress mediated pathologies. In this paper, we focus on cardiovascular diseases and obesity, disorders strongly related to each other; in which oxidative stress plays a fundamental role. We provide evidence of the key role played by p66(Shc) protein and protein kinase C (PKC) in these pathologies by their intracellular regulation of redox balance and oxidative stress levels. Additionally, we discuss possible therapeutic strategies aimed at attenuating the oxidative damage in these diseases.

Antioxidant characteristics of Dichrostachys glomerata spice extracts

Article

Full-text available

May 2010
CYTA-J FOOD

The antioxidant activity of aqueous extract, ethanol extract, and hydroethanolic pod extract of a Cameroonian spice Dichrostachys glomerata (D. glomerata) was investigated. When compared with the two other extracts, the aqueous extract exhibited the lowest phenolic content, AE ABTS (Antiradical Efficiency) and AE DPPH values whereas the ethanol extract had the highest phenolic content, AE ABTS and AE DPPH values. The DPPH (α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) radical and ABTS (2, 2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation radical scavenging activities were proven and correlated with the reductive potential and phenolic content of the extracts with r 2 greater than 0.9. All extracts had effective, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging activity, at all tested concentrations in a concentration-dependent manner. Each extract showed a concentration-dependent effect on chelating activity and α-linoleic acid oxidation inhibition activity. When compared with the controls, each extract significantly decreased malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides formation in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The hydroethanolic extract exhibited the highest inhibition of LDL oxidation. These results suggest that pods from D. glomerata can be good source of natural antioxidants.

Adipocyte Differentiation

Chapter

Apr 2017

Adipocyte differentiation is a highly controlled process that has been extensively studied for the last 25 years. Two different kinds of in vitro experimental models, essential in determining the mechanisms involved in adipocyte proliferation, differentiation and adipokine secretion, are currently available: preadipocyte cell lines, already committed to the adipocyte lineage, and multipotent stem cell lines, able to commit to different lineages including adipose, bone and muscle lineage. Many different events contribute to the commitment of a mesenchymal stem cell into the adipocyte lineage, including the coordination of a complex network of transcription factors, cofactors and signalling intermediates from numerous pathways. New fat cells constantly arise from a preexisting population of undifferentiated progenitor cells or through the dedifferentiation of adipocytes to preadipocytes, which then proliferate and redifferentiate into mature adipocytes. Analysis of adipocyte turnover has shown that adipocytes are a dynamic and highly regulated population of cells. Adipogenesis is a multi-step process involving a cascade of transcription factors and cell-cycle proteins regulating gene expression and leading to adipocyte development. Several positive and negative regulators of this network have been elucidated in recent years. This review is focused in the main molecular and cellular processes associated with adipocyte differentiation, including transcriptional factors and cofactors and extranuclear modulators. The role of epigenetic factors, microRNAs and chronobiology in adipogenesis is also summarized.

A method for rapid screening of interactions of pharmacologically active compounds with albumin

Article

Jan 2015
ANAL CHIM ACTA

We determine the association constants for ligand–protein complex formation using the flow injection method. We carry out the measurements at high flow rates (F = 1 mL min−1) of a carrier phase. Therefore, determination of the association constant takes only a few minutes. Injection of 1 nM of the ligand (10 μL of 1 μM concentration of the ligand solution) is sufficient for a single measurement. This method is tested and verified for a number of complexes of selected drugs (cefaclor, etodolac, sulindac) with albumin (BSA). We obtain K = 4.45 × 103 M−1 for cefaclor, K = 1.00 × 105 M−1 for etodolac and K = 1.03 × 105 M−1 for sulindac in agreement with the literature data. We also determine the association constants of 20 newly synthesized 3β- and 3α-aminotropane derivatives with potential antipsychotic activity – ligands of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and D2 receptors with the albumin. Results of the studies reported here indicate that potential antipsychotic drugs bind weakly to the transporter protein (BSA) with K ≈ 102–103 M−1. Our method allows measuring K in a wide range of values (102–109 M−1). This range depends only on the solubility of the ligand and sensitivity of the detector.

A Systematic Evaluation of Solubility Enhancing Excipients to Enable the Generation of Permeability Data for Poorly Soluble Compounds in Caco-2 Model

Article

Nov 2014
Drug Metabol Lett

The study presented here identified and utilized a panel of solubility enhancing excipients to enable the generation of flux data in the Human colon carcinoma (Caco-2) system for compounds with poor solubility. Solubility enhancing excipients Dimethyl acetamide (DMA) 1 % v/v, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 1% v/v, povidone 1% w/v, poloxamer 188 2.5% w/v and bovine serum albumin (BSA) 4% w/v did not compromise Caco-2 monolayer integrity as assessed by trans-epithelial resistance measurement (TEER) and Lucifer yellow (LY) permeation. Further, these excipients did not affect P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated bidirectional transport of digoxin, permeabilities of high (propranolol) or low permeability (atenolol) compounds, and were found to be inert to Breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) mediated transport of cladribine. This approach was validated further using poorly soluble tool compounds, atazanavir (poloxamer 188 2.5% w/v) and cyclosporine A (BSA 4% w/v) and also applied to new chemical entity (NCE) BMS-A in BSA 4% w/v, for which Caco-2 data could not be generated using the traditional methodology due to poor solubility (<1 µM) in conventional Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS). Poloxamer 188 2.5% w/v increased solubility of atazanavir by >8 fold whereas BSA 4% w/v increased the solubility of cyclosporine A and BMS-A by >2-4 fold thereby enabling permeability as well as efflux liability estimation in the Caco-2 model with reasonable recovery values. To conclude, addition of excipients such as poloxamer 188 2.5% w/v and BSA 4% w/v to HBSS leads to a significant improvement in the solubility of the poorly soluble compounds resulting in enhanced recoveries without modulating transporter-mediated efflux, expanding the applicability of Caco-2 assays to poorly soluble compounds.

Biochemical and Metabolic Mechanisms by Which Dietary Whey Protein May Combat Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Article