Effect of an aqueous extract of Chrysobalanus icaco on the adiposity of Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet

Objective: the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Chrysobalanus icaco on adiposity and its mechanism of action in the gene and protein expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a key enzyme in lipogenesis.

Method: Wistar rats were divided into a regular or control group (CG) and a high-fat diet (HFD) group. HFD was treated with saline or aqueous extract of Chrysobalanus icaco (AECI) for four weeks. Body weight and food intake were assessed. Subcutaneous, retroperitoneal and periepididymal adipose tissue samples were collected and weighed. Adipocytes from periepididymal tissue were isolated and analyzed. The gene and protein expression of ACC in subcutaneous tissue was determined.

Results: AECI showed no effect on intake or body weight. However, the weight of the fat pads and the gene and protein expression of ACC were lower, and glucose tolerance was improved.

Conclusion: the aqueous extract of Chrysobalanus icaco proved beneficial for the treatment of obesity, preventing fat storage and improving glycemic homeostasis.