Downregulation of adipogenic genes in 3T3-L1 Pre adipocytes- a possible mechanism of anti-obesity activity of herbal decoction Varanadi Kashayam

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of herbal decoction Varanadi kashayam on genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and lipid synthesis in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. The mechanism of action of Varanadi kashayam on adipogenesis was investigated on 3T3-L1 cells using quantitative real-time PCR. Intracellular lipid staining Oil red O and Fluorescent Nile red was carried out to quantify lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Treatment of pre-adipocyte with Varanadi kashayam reduced the differentiation of pre-adipocytes and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Real time-PCR analysis showed that Varanadi kashayam could down-regulate the expression of key adipogenic genes such as PPAR-γ2, C/EBP-α, FAS, GLUT-4, AP2, and LPL. Overall these results suggest that Varanadi kashayam is capable of suppressing adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, suggesting that Varanadi kashayam is a powerful Ayurvedic decoction that could be used for control of obesity and hence possibly obesity-associated metabolic disorders.
Source: Journal of Herbal Medicine - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research