Rock tea (Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC.) polyphenolic extract inhibits triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte-like cells and obesity related enzymes in vitro.

Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC., also known in Spain as "té de roca" (rock tea, RT), is an endemic plant species of the Iberian Peninsula and Southern France. Traditionally, it is used in infusions, prepared with the flowering aerial parts, as a digestive and anti-inflammatory herbal tea. Despite the traditional knowledge of this plant as a digestive after meals, there are hardly any scientific studies that support its use. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of RT extract on physiological targets related to metabolic diseases such as obesity. For this purpose, enzyme inhibition bioassays of lipase, α-glucosidase and fatty acid amide hydrolase were carried out in cell-free systems. Similarly, adipocytes derived from 3T3-L1 cells were employed to study the effects of the extract on adipocyte differentiation and triglyceride (TG) accumulation. RT extract was able to inhibit lipase, α-glucosidase and fatty acid amide hydrolase. Furthermore, the extract displayed anti-adipogenic properties in a dose-dependent manner as it significantly reduced TG accumulation during adipocyte differentiation. These results may explain from a molecular perspective the beneficial effects of RT in the prevention of metabolic-associated disorders such as obesity, diabetes and related complications.