Saponins are responsible for the anti-obesogenic activity of Acacia concinna

In this study, the anti-obesogenic compounds inA. concinna pods were investigated. Chromatographic separation of the pod extract guided by pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity led to the isolation of saponins. Decomposition analysis of the saponins revealed their chemical composition to be acacic acid, monoterpenes, and five types of sugars (glucose, xylose, rhamnose, quinovose, arabinose). The predicted structures of the saponins from decomposition analysis were confirmed by LC –MS analysis, showing that these saponins are mixture of various derivatives of monoterpenes and sugar units. These saponins inhibited pancreatic lipase activity strongly with an IC50 of 7.9  μg/mL, and reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes at 6.3 μg/mL. The saponins also enhanced lipolysis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes at 3.1 or 6.3 μg/mL by mediating the activity of protein kinase A and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways, suggesting that this mechanism is partly res ponsible for the observed reduction of lipid content in adipocytes. The results underlineA. concinna as a potential source of the anti-obesogenic candidates for the future treatment and prevention of obesity.Graphic abstract
Source: Journal of Natural Medicines - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research