Hypolipidaemic function of Hsian-tsao tea (Mesona procumbens Hemsl.): Working mechanisms and active components

This study aimed to investigate the function, working mechanisms and active components of Hsian-tsao tea (Mesona procumbens Hemsl., HT) on dyslipidaemia. Hamsters were fed an atherogenic diet supplemented with HT reduced serum concentrations of triacylglycerol (TAG), cholesterol, LDL-C and VLDL-TAG, and increased HDL-C/LDL-C ratio. In HepG2 cells, HT reduced TAG and apoB concentrations in the medium, without causing lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. The HT-mediated reduction in TAG output was associated with MAPKerk and MAPKjnk activation. In addition, HT activated AMPK and inhibited lipogenic activity. Using bioassay-guided fractionations, caffeic acid, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and (S)-rosmarinic acid were identified and kaempferol was shown to reduce both medium and cellular TAG concentrations in HepG2. We concluded that HT improves dyslipidaemia via MAPK and AMPK pathways. Kaempferol and its glucoside may serve as marker constituents for hypolipidaemic function. Combined with documented anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, HT may be used as an adjunct agent for atherogenesis.