Hexane extract of Curcuma longa L. inhibits the activities of key enzymes and pro- inflammatory adipokines linked to obesity

Abstract

IntroductionObesity is associated with chronic activation of low-grade inflammation produced mainly from adipose tissue, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Consequently, there is a need to screen for new anti-obesity medicines. Clinical evidence regarding the anti-obesity properties of Curcuma longa L. (C. longa) is inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to investigate for the first time the influence of curcuminoids and hexane extract derived from C. longa 1) On the release of pro-inflammatory adipokines from human abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) and induced-mononuclear cells (iMC) and 2) On the activities of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase enzymes. MethodsASAT explants and lipopolysaccharide-iMC were treated with either curcuminoids or hexane extract of C. longa. Protein concentration, anti-lipase, anti-amylase and anti-glucosidase activities were evaluated employing colorimetric methods. ResultsTreatment of ASAT with curcuminoids or hexane extract inhibited the secretion of leptin, CCL5 and Il-1β. Treatment of iMC cells with curcuminoids or hexane extract inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, CCL5 and Il-1β and leptin was not detected. Curcuminoids possessed a significant inhibitory activity against lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionWe demonstrate for the first time that curcuminoids and C. longa exert anti-inflammatory properties on human ASAT and iMC and inhibit the activities of lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. This suggests that C. longa and curcuminoids not only may ameliorate obesity-associated comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome but may be used as a preventive approach against obesity. However, this requires in vivo validation.