Beneficial effects of Allium sativum L. stem extract on lipid metabolism and antioxidant status in obesemice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUNDThis study was designed to examine the potential health benefits of Allium sativum L. (garlic) stem extract (ASSE) on obesity and related disorders in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Obese mice were orally administered ASSE at doses of 100, 250 and 500mgkg(-1) body weight day(-1) for 4weeks. RESULTSConsumption of ASSE significantly suppressed body weight gain and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight regardless of daily food intake. Obese mice fed ASSE also exhibited a significant decrease in WAT cell size. The decreased level of adiponectin and increased level of leptin in obese mice reverted to near normal mice levels in ASSE-treated mice. ASSE administration significantly improved lipid parameters of the serum and liver and inhibited fat accumulation in the liver by modulating the activities of hepatic lipid-regulating enzymes in obese mice. Administration of ASSE also led to significant increases in antioxidant enzymes and suppressed glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissue. CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that ASSE may ameliorate obesity, insulin resistance and oxidative damage in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical IndustryWe are thankful to Dr HS Jung (School of Medicine, Eulji University, Republic of Korea) for analysing and interpreting histological data. This work was carried out with the support of 'Research Program for Agricultural Science & Technology Development (Project No. PJ0067062011)', National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea