Selection of Thai Medicinal Plants with Anti-Obesogenic Potential via In Vitro Methods.

Wijitrapha Ruangaram,Eisuke Kato

doi:10.3390/ph13040056

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally. Despite the availability of a variety of anti-obesogenic drugs, including therapies under clinical development, these treatments are often indicated for patients with severe obesity, making them unsuitable for patients with mild obesity or for preventative use. In Thailand, traditional remedies employing medicinal plants are widely used to maintain health and treat disease. These treatments are generally inexpensive and readily available at markets, making them good treatment options for preventing obesity. To evaluate the anti-obesogenic potential of Thai medicinal plants, we employed three in vitro methods: pancreatic lipase inhibition, lipolysis enhancement, and lipid accumulation reduction assays. Among 70 Thai medicinal plants, Eurycoma longifolia Jack, Tiliacora triandra Diels, and Acacia concinna (Willd.) DC. were selected as the most favorable candidates because they exhibited anti-obesogenic activity in all three assays. These medicinal plants are expected to have efficient anti-obesogenic effects, making them promising candidates for further study.

Highlights

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of obesity has been increasing globally [1]
Seventy Thai medicinal plant extracts were screened for their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase activity at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, enhance lipolysis, and reduce lipid accumulation at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL in order to select initial candidates
Pancreatic lipase is involved in the digestion of lipids in food, which represent one of the major causes of obesity

Summary

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of obesity has been increasing globally [1]. In 2017, 2 billion and 650 million people were estimated to be overweight or obese, respectively. Thailand is an example of a country with a growing obese population [2]. Thailand has the second largest prevalence of obesity among Southeast Asian countries, and approximately 32% of the population is overweight [3]. Several drugs have been developed to treat obesity in conjunction with diet control and exercise [4]. Drugs exert positive effects on weight by inhibiting the absorption of lipids from the gastrointestinal tract or reducing food intake through suppressing appetite. Some of the currently available anti-obesogenic drugs have been withdrawn from the market due to their adverse effects [4].

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Conclusion