Furostanolic saponins from Trigonella foenum-graecum alleviate diet-induced glucose intolerance and hepatic fat accumulation.

SCOPE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fenugreek furostanolic saponins (Fenfuro(TM) ) either alone or in combination with chlorogenic acid (GCB-70(TM) ) on insulin resistance in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a normal or high-fat diet (HFD) and were randomly assigned to receive Fenfuro(TM) , GCB-70(TM) , or their combination for 24 wk. Metabolic parameters, glucose tolerance, serum triglycerides, cardiac function, and hepatic insulin signaling were evaluated using indirect open-circuit calorimetry, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, oil red O staining, echocardiography, and Western blotting, respectively. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test revealed glucose intolerance in the mice receiving HFD, which was attenuated by Fenfuro(TM) . Serum triglyceride that was elevated following an HFD was reconciled by both Fenfuro(TM) and the combination. HFD compromised myocardial contractile function, which was unaffected by the treatment. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Protein kinase B (AKT) in the liver was attenuated in mice receiving HFD, which was partially rescued by GCB-70(TM) . Neither treatment altered metabolic parameters or energy expenditure. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our data suggest that fenugreek furostanolic saponins and green coffee bean extract may have potential benefits in treating insulin resistance and related conditions.

Pharmacotherapy of obesity - benefit, bias and hyperbole.

Overweight and obesity, if sustained, are serious medical problems reaching an epidemic proportion. It is estimated that over 55% of the adult population is affected by overweight and obesity. Both overweight and obesity put these individuals at a high risk for the development of insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. A weight loss of between 5% and 10% of the initial body weight has been shown to greatly reduce these health risks associated with overweight and obesity. Typically, the first-line clinical strategy for weight loss is a combination of supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification. Although life style modification can exert beneficial effects in overweighed and obese individuals, it is difficult to achieve and maintain weight losses solely by life style change. Anti-obesity drugs may be used in obese patients (BMI of 30 or greater), or overweight patients with established comorbidities (BMI > 27), where dietary and lifestyle modifications are unsuccessful in achieving a 10% weight reduction following at least three months of the supervised care. Current anti-obesity drug therapy is geared towards reducing energy/food intake via actions on either gastrointestinal system or the central control of appetite and feeding. A thorough understanding of the molecular pathways involved in weight gain and appetite suppression should help for a better drug design and development. This mini review will focus on the molecular mechanisms and currently available pharmacotherapeutic interventions in overweight and obesity.