Identifying edible plants with high anti-obesity potential: In vitro inhibitory effect against pancreatic lipase followed by bioactive compound metabolomic screening
Abstrakt
The ever-growing number of individuals facing obesity related health problems represents an alarming situation. Within the available obesity control strategies, there is evidence that some natural compounds can inhibit pancreatic lipase (PNLIP, EC 3.1.1.3), a digestive enzyme with pivotal role in the hydrolysis of dietary triacylglycerols, resulting in reduced fat metabolism.
In this study, to identify sources of bioactive compounds with anti-obesity potential, 278 extracts originating by 126 food species were prepared in water and dichloromethane (DCM) and their in vitro inhibitory potential against PNLIP was measured. Importantly, 12 extracts exceeded the set cut-off level of significant inhibitory effect (inhibition> 70%) and for them dose-response curves were prepared and metabolomic target screening was performed.
By using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-q-TOF-MS), it was possible to tentatively identify 28 and 22 secondary metabolites in the aqueous and DCM extracts, respectively. Several species-specific compounds were detected, e.g., hesperidin and eriocitrin in lemon and lime fruit aqueous extracts or curcuminoids in DCM turmeric extracts.
Additionally, the highest percentage of the total analytical signal detected in dill, walnut, caper and bell pepper DCM extracts corresponded to various fatty acids. All in all, the edible plant extracts with strong anti-obesity potential contained various bioactive phytochemicals that may be used in nutraceutical applications. (C) 2023 Elsevier Ltd