MDG-1, a polysaccharide from Ophiopogon japonicus, prevents high fat diet-induced obesity and increases energy expenditure in mice

Carbohydr Polym. 2014 Dec 19:114:183-189. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.08.013. Epub 2014 Aug 17.

Abstract

MDG-1, a water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from Ophiopogon japonicus, has potent hypoglycemic and weight control effects. We investigated the impact of MDG-1 on body weight, indirect calorimetry, body composition, plasma biochemical indices and obesity-related mitochondrial activity in diet-induced obese mice. Obese C57BL/6 mice induced by a high fat diet were given either vehicle or vehicle plus MDG-1 at 300 mg per body weight for 16-weeks. MDG-1 could evoked weight loss and reduce adipose tissue mass (by up to ∼ 50%) in the obese animals by increasing oxygen consumption and energy expenditure without inhibiting appetite or increasing physical activity. In addition, MDG-1 could ameliorate plasma lipid profiles, decrease leptin secretion, attenuate hepatic lipid accumulation and increased the expressions of genes related to lipid and energy metabolism in the liver. MDG-1 is a promising candidate drug to treat obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Keywords: Anti-obesity; Diet induced obesity; Energy expenditure; Mitochondrial function; Ophiopogon japonicus; Polysaccharide.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diet, High-Fat / adverse effects*
  • Energy Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Obesity / chemically induced*
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Ophiopogon / chemistry*
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry*
  • Polysaccharides / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Polysaccharides