Another natural food found to manage obesity

The broken bones plant (Oroxylum indicum L.), commonly located in tropical Asian countries like Thailand, has long been used in treating obesity. In a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the effects of broken bones plant extract on the adipogenic and biomolecular change in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were evaluated.

• Initial studies evaluated the chemical components of broken bones extract derived from the fruit pods of the plant.
• Researchers from the Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand used the cell line 3T3-L1 to establish potential toxic effects of broken bones plant extract during the differentiation of pre-adipocytes into adipocytes. Adipocyte formation and activity appears to play a key role in the onset of obesity.
• They assessed the inhibitory effect of broken bones plant extract on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells.
• In addition, they looked at the effect of broken bones plant extract on pancreatic lipase activity.
• Further experiments monitored and distinguished biomolecular changes caused by the potential anti-adipogenic effect of broken bones plant extract on 3T3-L1 cells.
• Broken bones plant extract was composed of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, and tannins.
• The extract inhibited adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
• It also has the potential to inhibit pancreatic lipase, an enzyme associated with fat absorption.

The findings of the study suggested that broken bones plant extract may contain essential properties which may be used for the management of overweight or obesity.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

To read more stories on the prevention and management of obesity, visit FightObesity.news.

Journal Reference:

Hengpratom T, Lowe GM, Thumanu K, Suknasang S, Tiamyom K, Eumkeb G. OROXYLUM INDICUM (L.) KURZ EXTRACT INHIBITS ADIPOGENESIS AND LIPASE ACTIVITY IN VITRO. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 8 June 2018; 18(177). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2244-3