Botanical extracts modulate adipocyte function and insulin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Historically, many drugs have been developed from plant extracts. The study of botanical extracts is an emerging area in obesity and T2DM research. Botanical extracts are a rich source of molecules capable of modulating adipocyte development and function. Thus, botanicals which alter the properties of fat cells could be protective or causative of obesity, metabolic syndrome and/or T2DM. We used 3T3‐L1 cells and C57BL/6 mice to study the effects of botanicals on adipocytes and adipose tissue. We examined adipogenesis in vitro and insulin action and adipokine secretion in mice. In a screen of botanical extracts for potential novel therapeutic modulators of adipocytes, we identified several positive regulators of fat cell development from the genus Artemisia. Our studies revealed that extracts of several Artemisia species promote differentiation of 3T3‐L1 fat cells and increase adiponectin secretion in mature adipocytes. Additionally, in C57BL/6 mice maintained on a 60% high fat diet, administration of the Artemisia extracts improved insulin‐sensitive Akt serine phosphorylation within white adipose tissue and increased circulating adiponectin levels. In summary, we have in vitro and in vivo data to demonstrate that Artemisia extracts have a beneficial impact on metabolic syndrome by improving adipocyte development and function. Support: PBRC BRC Pilot funding and NIH grant P50AT002776–06 from ODS and NCAAM.