Anti-obesity effects of a mixed extract containing Platycodon grandiflorum, Apium graveolens and green tea in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice.

The anti-obesity effect of a combination of extracts made of Platycodon grandiflorum (PGE), Apium graveolens (AGE) and green tea (GTE) extracts was investigated in a high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6N mouse model. Body weight, epididymal adipose tissue weight, liver weight, adipocytes size and serum lipid profile, insulin, leptin and glucose levels were investigated. Additionally, hepatic steatosis, injury and oxidative burden were evaluated in the present study. The current study demonstrated that the PGE, AGE, and GTE (PAG) mixture were most effective in preventing obesity and its associated complications compared with the single extracts used alone. This was evidenced by the PAG's prevention of weight gain, reduction of adipocyte size, beneficial effects in serum lipid profile, levels of insulin, leptin and glucose, and the prevention of liver injury by reducing fat accumulation in the liver, decreased GOT and GPT enzymes and the upregulation of liver antioxidant enzymes. These results suggested that PAG may provide insights into functional food ingredients for use in the prevention of obesity.