Ilex paraguariensis extract prevents body weight gain in rats fed a high-fat diet

Julia Neitzel Uecker,Augusto Schneider,Robson Andreazza,Joao Alveiro Alvarado Rincón,Carlos Castilho Barros,Jenifer Heller Cerqueira,Simone Pieniz,Janaina Pereira Schneider,Felipe Teres Campos,Itiane Barcellos Jaskulski

doi:10.1590/fst.39817

Julia Neitzel Uecker, Augusto Schneider + Show 8 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.39817

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Studies have shown that drinks containing Ilex paraguariensis extract can promote many benefits in animals and in humans. The present study aimed to evaluate in vivo effects of Ilex paraguariensis extract on metabolic profile, obesity prevention and expression of genes related with adipogenesis and lipogenesis in Wistar female rats fed a high-fat diet. For this experiment 32 Wistar female rats with normal weight were used and randomly separated into four groups: diet (standard or high-fat) and treatment (water or Ilex paraguariensis extract) for 34 days. The rats receiving Ilex paraguariensis extract had lower body weight compared to the control group in both diets. Likewise, there was a reduction in triglycerides in the groups fed high-fat diet and treated with Ilex paraguariensis extract. The creatinine levels were lower in the groups treated with Ilex paraguariensis and in high-fat diet. It was observed an increased liver gene expression for Fas and Scd1 in the group treated with hyperlipid diet + Ilex paraguariensis. It can be concluded that Ilex paraguariensis extract decreased body weight gain in both control and high-fat diets, reduced plasma triglycerides and creatinine levels and increased liver expression of genes related to lipogenesis.

Highlights

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ilex paraguariensis extract on metabolic profile, body weight gain and liver gene expression related with adipogenesis and lipogenesis of Wistar female rats fed to a high-fat diet
The results from feed intake indicate that the groups fed high-fat diet had lower intake (p < 0.01, Table 3) when compared to the standard diet groups, there was no effect of Ilex paraguariensis extract supplementation nor interaction between the diet and treatment (p > 0.05, Table 3)
Despite no difference in feed intake when submitted to the same diet, rats supplemented with Ilex paraguariensis extract presented smaller weight gain (p < 0.01)

Summary

Introduction

Belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family and is a native species from the subtropical and temperate regions of South America. Hil. belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family and is a native species from the subtropical and temperate regions of South America This herb is used regularly in beverages prepared by infusion such as teas, and is a natural product, recognized for having anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties (Przygodda et al, 2010). The extract from Ilex paraguariensis contain different bioactive constituents, and several in vitro studies have shown the important role of polyphenols on the antioxidant activity, suggesting the potential use for the development of natural products aiming to protect biological systems against oxidative stress-mediated damages. Others have shown anti-diabetic and antiobesity effects of the extract (Kang et al, 2012)

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