Planta Med 2008; 74 - PA154
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1084152

Red Ginseng extract inhibits 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation through the PPARγ pathway

DH Lee 1, EK Won 1, HK Choi 1, SY Choung 1
  • 1Department of Hygienic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130–701, Korea

The effect of red ginseng (RG), a traditional medicine which has been widely used in Asian countries, on obesity has been rarely investigated. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of RG extract on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation were investigated. To differentiate preadipocyte into adipocyte, confluent 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with the medium containing isobutylmethylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI). RG extract was also treated throughout the differentiation period to evaluate its inhibitory effects on preadipocyte differentiation. RG extract inhibited the lipid droplet accumulation and adiponectin, TNF-alpha production which are adipocytokines produced by adipocyte. Gene expression analysis using real-time PCR revealed that expression of PPARγ and CEBP/α, differentiation related transcriptional factors, were significantly inhibited by RG extract treatment. Considering all these results together, RG extract inhibits the differentiation of preadipocyte into adipocyte via inhibition of PPARγ and CEBP/α. This report suggests that along with various beneficial effects of RG on diseases, it can be used to regulate obesity as well.

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