The Effects of Pharmacopuncture(Eugenia caryophyllata THUNB.) on the High Fat Diet-induced Obese ICR Mice

Abstract

Objectives : The purpose on this study is to show the anti-obesity effect of Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. pharmacopuncture in mice fed a high fat diet. Methods : Male ICR mice were divided into three groups, which were fed a normal AIN diet(N), a high fat diet(CT), a high fat diet and injected with 50 mg/kg of Eugenia caryophyllata Thum. pharmacopuncture(EC) for 8 weeks. Results : 1. The levels of body weight gains were significantly increased in CT compared with N and decreased in EC compared with CT. 2. The levels of absolute liver weight and adipose-tissue weight were significantly decreased in EC compared with CT. The levels of relative adipose-tissue weight were significantly decreased in EC compared with CT. 3. The levels of total cholesterol(TG), triglycerid(TC), high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol and low density lipoprotein(LDL) cholesterol were significantly increased in CT compared with N and decreased in EC compared with CT. The levels of HDL/LDL ratio were shown there were no significant differences in all groups. 4. The levels of adiponectin in serum were remarkably decreased in CT compared with N and significantly increased in EC compared with CT. 5. The levels of measuring adipocyte number in adipose tissue was significantly decreased in CT compared with N and increased in EC compared with CT. Conclusions : These results suggest that Eugenia Caryophyllata Thunb. has an anti-obesity effect in mice and that the effect is mediated by inhibition of fat gain. Key Words: Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb.; Pharmacupuncture; Obesity.