Lotus(Nelumbo Nucifera) root ethanol extract improves serum insulin level and adipokine status in ats fed high fat diet

초록

The effect of lotus(Nelumbo Nucifera) root ethanol extract (LRE) on weight and size of adipose tissue, the serum lipid profile and concentrations of serum insulin and adipokines was investigated in rats fed high fat diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed the normal (N group) (n=10) or high fat diets (n=20) for 14 weeks (based on AIN-93 diet). After the first 7 weeks, the rats were randomly divided into two subgroups (high fat diet, HF group; high fat diet + LRE, HFS group). LRE (1200mg/kg/day) was orally administrated to HFR group and the same amount of saline solution was orally administered to N and HF groups. Relative weights of retroperitoneal adipose tissues were significantly lower in N and HFR groups compared to HF group. The histological appearance of epdidymal adipocyte in HF group was irregular and bigger compared to the N and HFR group. The serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher in the HF group compared to the N group, but the LRE decreased the levels. The serum adiponectin level was lower in the HF and HFR groups compared to the N group. The serum leptin level was higher in the HF group compared to the N group, but the LRE decreased the level. The serum insulin level was lower in the HFR group compared to HF group. These results suggest that lotus root ethanol extract can improve lipid profiles and levels of insulin and adipokines such as leptin.