Anti-adipogenic effects of <i>Tropaeolum majus</i> (nasturtium) ethanol extract on 3T3-L1 cells

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: Edible flowers, Tropaeolum majus has been used as a disinfectant and an antibiotic, and for wound healing, but the anti-obesity effects of this plant have not been reported previously <b>Objective</b>: We investigated the anti-adipogenic effects of <i>T. majus</i> ethanol extract (TME) on 3T3-L1 cells. <b>Design</b>: 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated in the presence of different concentrations of TME. Lipid accumulation levels were determined using Oil-Red O staining and a triglyceride content assay. Changes in the expression of proteins related to adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells were determined by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. <b>Results</b>: The highest inhibition of lipid accumulation was observed at a TME concentration of 300 µg/mL. Additionally, TME concentrations ranging from 20 µg/mL to 500 µg/mL led to a decrease in the expression of adipocyte differentiation regulators, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT element binding protein α, and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1. This decrease was shown to be concentration-dependent. <b>Discussion</b>: Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that TME inhibits lipid accumulation and reduces the expression PPARG, CEBPA, and SREBF1, which regulate adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. <b>Conclusions</b>: TME may be a potential novel therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of obesity.