A Combination of Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts Ameliorates Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats via the AMPK Pathway

Abstract

In the present study, we investigated the anti-obesity effects of LN19183, a combination of extracts of Citrus aurantifolia fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed, in vitro and in vivo. Oil Red O staining and Western blotting were performed on 3T3-L1 adipocytes to examine the inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation and the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, LN19183, along with a high-fat diet, was administered to rats for 28 days, and body weight and serum biochemical profiles were assessed. In vitro study results showed that LN19183 significantly reduced lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with LN19183 regulated the expression of markers of adipogenesis (PPAR-γ, C/EBPβ, SREBP-1, FABP4, FAS), lipolysis (ACYL, PPARα, CPT-1), and thermogenesis (PGC-1, UCP-1) by adiponectin, leptin, AMPK, and ACC. In vivo, LN19183 administration significantly reduced body weight, serum triglycerides, leptin, glucose and adipose weight. Our study was the first to reveal the anti-obesity effects of LN19183 through adipogenesis and lipolysis, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical for reducing body fat.