Researchers flag ginseng’s obesity-fighting potential

22 Nov 2019 --- Ginseng extract could help fight obesity by inducing the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, which can produce myristoleic acid (MA). This unsaturated long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) then activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), which can help burn energy. This is according to a new Chinese study published in Gut, which details how the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb increases BAT activity and beige fat formation.

“Current anti-obesity strategies are mainly aimed at restricting calorie intake and absorption. Now, our study shows that burning energy by activating BAT might be an alternative strategy for combating obesity. There are also prospects not only for obesity, but also for other related diseases such as fatty liver disease,” Wanzhu Jin, lead author of the study and a scientist at the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, tells NutritionInsight.

Although previous studies had shown that BAT facilitates weight control and generates a potent anti-obesity effect, this is the first proof that the MA axis specifically can reduce obesity. Earlier this year, it was also found that Naringenin – a flavonoid found in citrus – could hold potential for weight management. This is through the conversion of white fat to beige fat, meaning that more calories from fat and glucose can be burned.

While the study used mice, Jin hopes that the MA findings also relate to humans. He adds that a major challenge in the research process was knocking out the gene of interest in the microbiota. However, the team used a dCas9 technique to overcome this. 

It may be possible to induce Enterococcus faecalis by taking prebiotics, according to Jin. However, it is unknown whether there is another way to gain MA other than direct oral MA consumption. 

Dating back millennia, TCM is now the subject of contemporary study for its potential applications in chronic pain management, disease prevention and mental health treatment. To date, modern science has not been able to fully explain the mechanisms behind TCM’s effects. The essence of TCM is rooted in spirituality, religion and philosophy, setting it apart from Western medicine. 

Additionally, adaptogens, including ginseng, have emerged as a class of herbal extracts with claims of boosting the body’s ability to combat physical, chemical and biological stressors, in addition to elevating cognitive functions, mood and energy levels.  

However, last week, experts warned that ginseng used as a complementary breast cancer therapy is likely to more harm than good when used to treat skin lesions. 

By Katherine Durrell