Inhibitory effects of flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers on triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The 95% EtOH extract from the flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic showed inhibitory activity on TG accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte. Chemical studies on the active fraction led to the isolation of 14 flavonoids (1–14). To clarify the multi-mechanism of the isolates on preadipocyte differentiation, the levels of TG and FFA and the related role transcription factors (PPARγ, CEBP/α, and ap2) expression were evaluated. At the concentration of 30 μM, compounds 1–6 and 10–14 showed inhibitory activity on TG accumulation significantly in mature 3T3-L1 cells. 1, 2, 4–7, 9, 10, 13, and 14 reduced the level of FFA. At the molecular level, the mRNA expressions of PPARγ, CEBP/α, and ap2 were down-regulated by compounds 1, 5, 9, 12, 13; 1–8, 10–14; and 1–4, 6, 8–12, 14, respectively. The structure–activity relationships of the 14 flavonoids were also discussed.

Graphical Abstract14 kinds of flavonoids were isolated from the active part of Abelmoschus manihot flowers. The role key transcription factors of the adipogenic program, PPARγ, C/EBPα and aP2 expression were down-regulated during differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells from preadipocytes to adipocytes.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide