Inhibition of Gastric Lipase as a Mechanism for Body Weight and Plasma Lipids Reduction in Zucker Rats Fed a Rosemary Extract Rich in Carnosic Acid

Abstract

BackgroundRosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extracts (REs) exhibit hepatoprotective, anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties and are widely used in the food industry. REs are rich in carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol which may be responsible for some of the biological activities of REs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether inhibition of lipase activity in the gut may be a mechanism by which a RE enriched in CA (40%) modulates body weight and lipids levels in a rat model of metabolic disorders and obesity.Methods and Principal FindingsRE was administered for 64 days to lean (fa/+) and obese (fa/fa) female Zucker rats and body weight, food intake, feces weight and blood biochemical parameters were monitored throughout the study. Lipase activity (hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylbutyrate) was measured in the gastrointestinal tract at the end of the study and the contents of CA, carnosol and methyl carnosate were also determined. Sub-chronic administration of RE moderately reduced body weight gain in both lean and obese animals but did not affect food intake. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol and insulin levels were also markedly decreased in the lean animals supplemented with RE. Importantly, lipase activity was significantly inhibited in the stomach of the RE-supplemented animals where the highest content of intact CA and carnosol was detected.ConclusionsOur results confirm that long-term administration of RE enriched in CA moderates weight gain and improves the plasma lipids profile, primarily in the lean animals. Our data also suggest that these effects may be caused, at least in part, by a significant inhibition of gastric lipase and subsequent reduction in fat absorption.

A Rosemary Extract Rich in Carnosic Acid Selectively Modulates Caecum Microbiota and Inhibits β-Glucosidase Activity, Altering Fiber and Short Chain Fatty Acids Fecal Excretion in Lean and Obese Female Rats

“…We have previously reported that the intake of RE causes a significant inhibition of a butyrate-esterase activity in the stomach of Zucker rats and it was hypothesized that this may cause a reduction in the digestion and absorption of fat from the diet [18]. Fecal composition analysis in the present work does not support this hypothesis since we did not find significant differences in the % of fat eliminated in the feces between the control and RE-supplemented animals.…”

“…This study is a continuation of two previously published studies, using the same animals and study protocol as previously described [18], [19]. Briefly, female Zucker lean ( fa /+) (Le, n = 14) and obese ( fa / fa ) (Ob, n = 10) rats (105.5±13.3 g and 148.5±22.9 g, respectively) were fed with a standard diet (CT) or with the diet supplemented with RE (0.5% w/w) for 64 days.…”

Gastric Lipase Secretion in Children with Gastritis

“…Vaquero et al . showed in an animal model that inhibition of gastric lipase caused a moderate reduction of fat absorption, resulting in reduction of weight gain, as well as triglyceride and cholesterol levels [11]. These data suggest that HGL is a potential target for the treatment of obesity, and therefore, the results of our study may have implications for future research on the treatment of obesity.…”

“…Supplementation with exogenous gastric lipase has no adverse effects typical for supplementation with pancreatic lipase, like fibrosing colonopathy [9,10]. A recent study using an animal model suggests that inhibition of gastric lipase might be used to treat obesity and improve lipid profile [11]. It has been suggested that in healthy subjects, the regulatory peptides, like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin (CCK), may influence secretion and/or activity of HGL [12].…”

In vitro lipase inhibitory effect and kinetic properties of di-terpenoid fraction from Calotropis procera (Aiton)

“…In another study, carsonic acid, a di-terpenoid extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis showed gastric lipase inhibition (Vaquero et al, 2012). Zheng et al (2004) have shown in vitro PL inhibitory activity of scabiosaponins from Scabiosa tschiliensis at a concentration of 0.12 mg/ml.…”