Asarone inhibits adipogenesis and stimulates lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Abstract

Asarone is a molecule found in certain plants such as Acorus calamus, the root of which is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. We determined the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-diabetic activity of asarone. Treatment of asarone significantly inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through suppression of expression of the transcription factors, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ, which activate adipogenesis. Intracellular triglyceride levels were reduced by asarone in a dose-dependent manner and asarone treatment stimulated the phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase. Together, the present findings indicate that asarone inhibits adipogenesis by down-regulation of PPARγ and C/EBPα and reduces lipid accumulation by stimulation of lipolysis through an increase in hormone-sensitive lipase activity.