The synergistic effect of sea cucumber saponins and caffeine on preventing obesity in high‐fat diet‐fed mice by extending the action duration of caffeine

Abstract BACKGROUND Sea cucumber saponins (SCSs) exhibit a unique structure and high bioactivities and might have specialized implications on caffeine metabolic process by altering the activity of N‐demethylation enzyme CYP1A2. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of SCS on caffeine metabolism in vivo and in vitro , as well as the synergistic anti‐obesity effect of SCS and caffeine on high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. RESULTS Results found that SCS administration significantly postponed the elimination rate of caffeine and its metabolites in vivo , and further study found CYP1A2‐mediated caffeine metabolism was remarkably inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro . The synergistic effect of the SCS and caffeine combination could decrease the total weight of white adipose tissue by 52% compared with high‐fat diet‐treated group. CONCLUSION SCS could prolong caffeine action time, and the combination of the two substances exhibited joint action on high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. These findings might provide a basis for the development of functional foods and potential application using the combination of SCS and caffeine. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.