Plant power: Researchers find anti-obesity effects of tropical plant extract

09 Aug 2023 --- Scientists have found that Mallotus furetianus, a tropical plant native to China, has anti-obesity potential. In a recent study, mice treated with the plant’s extract suppressed the increase in body and adipose tissue (body fat) weight.

The researchers also found changes in the liver and adipose tissue structure of obesity model mice. An in vitro investigation revealed that fat synthesis was inhibited by suppressing the expression of several transcription factors. 

“Utilizing Mallotus furetianus as one of the tools for obesity prevention through consumption can contribute to reducing the obese population,” co-author Akiko Kojima, professor of the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan, tells Nutrition Insight. 

She notes that the study’s results suggest a link between Mallotus furetianus extract (MFE) and anti-obesity effects and indicate its potential as a new food ingredient with anti-obesity properties. 

Body weight changes 
The researchers divided 36 mice into four groups, feeding them either a low-fat control diet, a high-fat diet, a control + MFE diet or a high-fat + MFE diet. 

After 32 days, the body weight of mice eating a high-fat diet was higher than mice eating a regular diet. However, the body weight of mice consuming the extract with their high-fat diet was significantly lower than the group only eating the high-fat diet. 

Moreover, the researchers found that the body fat weight decreased when mice consumed the plant extract with their high-fat diet. In addition, adding MFE to a high-fat diet significantly suppressed the occurrence of fatty liver. 

The researchers found that the body weight and fat decreased when mice consumed the plant extract with their high-fat diet.Mice on the control diet did not have these body and fat weight benefits. The researchers even note a tendency of increased weight and fat tissue for the control + MFE diet group. 

The authors note that further research is needed to explain this finding and investigate other effects that MFE might have.  

Traditional use  
An earlier study by the same research team investigated the plant’s effects on preventing fatty liver. 

“While Mallotus furetianus extract had been traditionally used as a folk remedy for gallbladder inflammation, its application in combating obesity had not been explored. This research has, for the first time, unveiled the anti-obesity effects of MFE and elucidated its underlying mechanisms of action,” says Kojima.  

“An epidemiological study reported that the people of Hainan Island have the lowest obesity rates within China. Subsequent investigation into their dietary habits revealed a notable consumption of Mallotus furetianus, suggesting a potential correlation with anti-obesity effects.” 

The next step in the research would be to determine if the results can be replicated in human clinical trials. However, Kojima notes obtaining materials and securing funding for such trials is challenging. 

“Continuous consumption of MFE might become challenging for certain individuals, potentially leading to a loss of effectiveness. To overcome this issue, we aim to identify the active components within MFE and develop easily accessible supplements, allowing those who find consistent intake difficult to still benefit from its effects.” 

Spiraling rates of obesity 
The World Obesity Federation predicted that by 2035, 51% of the world’s population will be overweight or obese if current patterns are unchanged. 

With these growing rates, the demand for weight management products continues to increase while researchers and companies look into preventing or treating obesity. 

For example, researchers point toward vegetarian diets to lower obesity risk or switching to high-protein diets. 

At the same time, experts stress that obesity drugs are deemed inefficient as consumers pay higher prices for short-term solutions. For instance, two-thirds of obesity medication GLP-1a (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist) consumers stop taking the medication within a year due to its high costs. 

By Jolanda van Hal