Tropical Plant Reveals Anti-obesity Potential

 

 
 

Obesity, a major risk factor for various lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension has become widespread worldwide, inherently demanding innovative solutions to combat it.

A multi-institutional research group led by Associate Professor Akiko Kojima of the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University (Japan), reported that they have made progress in the fight against obesity. The group had previously conducted a study on the effects of the extract of Mallotus furetianus (MFE), a tropical plant native to Hainan Island, China, on the prevention of fatty liver, but the anti-obesity effects of MFE and its mechanisms had not been elucidated until now.

Using obesity model mice, the researchers set out to verify the anti-obesity effects of MFE extract and the results were remarkable. Treatment with MFE significantly suppressed the increase in body weight and adipose tissue weight, and also demonstrated morphological changes in the liver and adipose tissue of the obesity model mice. Further investigation into the mechanism revealed that fat synthesis was inhibited by suppressing the expression of several transcription factors involved in adipocyte differentiation.

“Our research group is searching for food ingredients with anti-obesity effects, based on the idea that if we can find and incorporate them into our daily diets, we can contribute to people’s health and longevity,” stated Kojima. “These results not only suggest a link between Mallotus furetianus extract and anti-obesity effects but also indicate its potential as a new food ingredient with anti-obesity properties.”

For more information, visit www.omu.ac.jp/en/.