Effects of natural plant extract on activities of enzymes related with fat metabolism in lean and fa/fa Zucker rats

Abstract

Since obesity is well known as a potential risk factor for chronic diseases such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes, many researches have been focused on finding natural anti‐obesity compounds. This study was carried out to estimate anti‐obesity effects of plant extract on activities of enzymes related with fat metabolism. Changes in activities of acyl‐CoA synthetase, lipoprotein lipase and hormone‐sensitive lipase were compared for lean and fa/fa rats. While extracts from Plantago asiatica and Letinus edodes gave rise to an augmented acyl‐CoA synthetase activity in fa/fa rats, those from Semen plantaginis and Plantigo asiatica resulted in decreased lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose tissue of fa/fa rats. Abdominal hormone‐sensitive lipase activities in 10‐week old Zucker rats were significantly enhanced by Zea mays L. This study indicated that plant extract might be developed as a plausible anti‐obesity nutraceutical supplements.