Antiobesity effect of polyphenolic compounds from molokheiya (Corchorus olitorius L.) leaves in LDL receptor-deficient mice.

Background: Dietary supplementation with polyphenolic compounds is associated with reduced diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in humans. The antioxidative properties of polyphenolic compounds contribute to their antiobesity effect in animal experiments and human studies.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the antiobesity effect of polyphenolic compounds from molokheiya leaves in LDLR-/- mice fed high-fat diet and to elucidate the mechanism of this effect.

Methods: Three groups of LDLR-/- mice were fed with a high-fat diet, supplemented with 0% (control), 1 or 3% molokheiya leaf powder (MLP). Gene expression in the liver associated with lipid and glucose metabolism was analyzed, and physical parameters and blood biochemistry were determined.

Results: Compared to controls, mice body weight gain (P = 0.003), liver weight (P = 0.001) and liver triglyceride levels (P = 0.005) were significantly lower in the two MLP groups. Epididymal adipose tissue weight (P = 0.003) was reduced in the 3% MLP group. Liver tissue gene expression of gp91phox (NOX2), involved in oxidative stress, was significantly down-regulated (P = 0.005), and PPARα and CPT1A, related to the activation of β-oxidation, were significantly up-regulated (P = 0.025 and 0.006, respectively) in the 3% MLP group compared to the control group.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate an antiobesity effect of polyphenolic compounds from molokheiya leaves and that this effect is associated with reduction in oxidative stress and enhancement of β-oxidation in the liver. Consumption of molokheiya leaves may be beneficial for preventing diet-induced obesity.