Inhibitory Effects of Albizziae Cortex Extracts on Adipocyte Differentiation

In this study, Albizziae Cortex extracts (ACE) have potent effects on adipogenesis and on lipolysis in OP9 cells. There was no cytotoxicity while cells were treated with ACE in designated time intervals, unaffected by various concentrations. In the cells with ACE-treated, increases in fat storage were inhibited, and also confirmed by Oil red O. To understand the underlying mechanism at the molecular level, the effects of ACE were examined on the expression of the genes involved in adipogenesis by using real-time PCR. In this cell model, the mRNA level of adipogenic genes such as peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPARγ) and CAAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) were decreased by ACE treatment, comparing with those of control group. Collectively, our data suggest that ACE may have great potential as a novel anti-obesity agent.