Research

Stimulation of Apolipoprotein A-IV expression in Caco-2/TC7 enterocytes and reduction of triglyceride formation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by potential anti-obesity Chinese herbal medicines

Ava Jiangyang Guo¹ , Roy Chi-yan Choi¹ , Anna Wing-han Cheung¹ , Jun Li¹ , Ivy Xiaoying Chen¹ , Tina Tingxia Dong¹ , Karl Wah-keung Tsim¹ and Brad Wing-chuen Lau²

¹  Department of Biology and the Center for Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong SAR, PR China

²  Macao Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health (MUST Foundation), Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao SAR, PR China

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Chinese Medicine 2009, 4:5doi:10.1186/1749-8546-4-5

Published:	26 March 2009

Abstract

Background

Chinese medicine has been proposed as a novel strategy for the prevention of metabolic disorders such as obesity. The present study tested 17 Chinese medicinal herbs were tested for their potential anti-obesity effects.

Methods

The herbs were evaluated in terms of their abilities to stimulate the transcription of Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) in cultured Caco-2/TC7 enterocytes. The herbs that showed stimulating effects on ApoA-IV transcription were further evaluated in terms of their abilities to reduce the formation of triglyceride in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Results

ApoA-IV transcription was stimulated by Rhizoma Alismatis and Radix Angelica Sinensis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in cultured Caco-2/TC7 cells. Moreover, these two herbs reduced the amount of triglyceride in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Conclusion

The results suggest that Rhizoma Alistmatis and Radix Angelica Sinensis may have potential anti-obesity effects as they stimulate ApoA-IV transcription and reduce triglyceride formation.