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

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. 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. 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. 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 PPAR alpha and CPT1A, related to the activation of beta-oxidation, were significantly up-regulated (P = 0.025 and 0.006, respectively) in the 3% MLP group compared to the control group. 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 beta-oxidation in the liver. Consumption of molokheiya leaves may be beneficial for preventing diet-induced obesity.