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Effect of Sutherlandia frutescens on the Lipid Metabolism in an Insulin Resistant Rat Model and 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Author(s) -
MacKenzie Janine,
Koekemoer Trevor C.,
Roux Saartjie,
Venter Maryna,
Dealtry Gill B.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.4653
Subject(s) - endocrinology , medicine , insulin resistance , adipose tissue , lipid metabolism , triglyceride , insulin , skeletal muscle , biology , carbohydrate metabolism , adipocyte , chemistry , cholesterol
High fat diet induced insulin resistance correlates with dyslipidaemia and ectopic fat deposits in skeletal muscle and liver. The effects of Sutherlandia frutescens , an antidiabetic medicinal plant, on lipid metabolism were evaluated in an insulin resistant (IR) rat model and in 3 T3‐preadipocytes. Wistar rats received normal diet (ND) or high fat diet (HFD). After the onset of IR in the HFD group, the rats were subdivided into two subgroups, which either continued with HFD or were treated with 50 mg S. frutescens /kg BW/day and HFD (HFD + SF). After 4 weeks, the HFD + SF rats had a significantly lower body weight than the HFD rats ( p < 0.05). Blood plasma analysis showed a decrease in insulin, free fatty acids and triglycerides. Related changes in lipid parameters were observed in the liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. To investigate the effects of S. frutescens on adipose tissue, 3 T3‐L1 cells were used as a model. Treatment with S. frutescens led to a decrease in triglyceride accumulation, whilst glucose consumption and lactate production were increased ( p < 0.05). These results indicate that S. frutescens directly affects mitochondrial activity and lipid biosynthesis in adipose tissue and provide a mechanism by which S. frutescens can restore insulin sensitivity by modulating fatty acid biosynthesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.