Reduction of adipogenesis and lipid accumulation by Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) extracts in 3T3L1 adipocytes: an in vitro study

Phytother Res. 2014 May;28(5):745-52. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5059. Epub 2013 Aug 18.

Abstract

In this in vitro study, we have investigated the ability of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) to inhibit adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. HPLC analysis of the three plant extracts used in this study-leaf and root extracts and a commercial root powder-identified caffeic and chlorogenic acids as the main phenolic constituents. Oil Red O staining and triglyceride levels analysis showed decreased lipid and triglyceride accumulation, respectively. Cytotoxicity was assessed with the MTT assay showing non-toxic effect among the concentrations tested. DNA microarray analysis showed that the extracts regulated the expression of a number of genes and long non-coding RNAs that play a major role in the control of adipogenesis. Taken together, our results indicate that the dandelion extracts used in this study may play a significant role during adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, and thus, supporting their therapeutic interest as potential candidates for the treatment of obesity.

Keywords: 3 T3-L1 cells; adipogenesis; dandelion; differentiation; long noncoding RNAs; obesity; phytochemicals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3-L1 Cells
  • Adipocytes / drug effects*
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Adipogenesis / drug effects*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / pharmacology
  • Caffeic Acids / pharmacology
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Chlorogenic Acid / pharmacology
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Obesity
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Taraxacum / chemistry*
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Caffeic Acids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Triglycerides
  • Chlorogenic Acid
  • caffeic acid