Lemon Basil Seed Extract: Purification and Role in Reducing Fat Cell Formation

Greg Howard
23rd May, 2024

Lemon Basil Seed Extract: Purification and Role in Reducing Fat Cell Formation

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Chulalongkorn University found that a peptide from lemon basil seeds can inhibit pancreatic lipase, reducing fat absorption
  • The peptide also decreases fat accumulation in cells without being toxic
  • This discovery could help manage obesity and lower the risk of related diseases like heart disease and cancer
Recent research conducted by Chulalongkorn University has explored the potential of bioactive peptides derived from defatted lemon basil seeds hydrolysate (DLSH) to inhibit pancreatic lipase, decrease intracellular lipid accumulation, and reduce adipogenesis[1]. This study addresses the growing concerns over obesity and its associated health risks, such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and various cancers, by presenting a novel approach to managing lipid levels and body fat[2][3][4]. The study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the conditions for trypsin hydrolysis, aiming to maximize lipase inhibitory activity (LI). The optimal conditions were identified as a hydrolysis time of 387.06 minutes, a temperature of 49.03°C, and an enzyme concentration of 1.61% w/v. Under these conditions, the highest LI was achieved with an IC50 value of 368.07 μg/mL. Further ultrafiltration of the protein hydrolysate revealed that the fraction below 0.65kDa exhibited the greatest LI potential. Purification via reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) identified the peptide Gly-Arg-Ser-Pro-Asp-Thr-His-Ser-Gly (GRSPDTHSG) in the HPLC fraction F1 using mass spectrometry. This peptide was synthesized and demonstrated an LI with an IC50 of 0.255 mM through a non-competitive mechanism, with a binding constant (Ki) of 0.61 mM. Docking studies further revealed its binding site with the pancreatic lipase-colipase complex. Additionally, GRSPDTHSG inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells in a dose-dependent manner without causing cytotoxic effects. Western blot analysis indicated that GRSPDTHSG treatment resulted in the downregulation of PPAR-γ and SREBP-1c levels, both of which are key regulators of adipogenesis. Furthermore, an increase in AMPK-α phosphorylation was observed, suggesting that GRSPDTHSG plays a role in regulating cellular lipid metabolism. The findings from this study are particularly relevant in the context of previous research highlighting the importance of managing serum cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of CHD[2]. Elevated serum cholesterol levels contribute to atherosclerosis, which can lead to CHD. By inhibiting pancreatic lipase, GRSPDTHSG can potentially reduce lipid absorption, thereby lowering serum cholesterol levels and mitigating the risk of CHD. Moreover, the study's implications extend to obesity management. Obesity is a significant risk factor for various noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers[3][4]. The ability of GRSPDTHSG to inhibit lipid accumulation and adipogenesis offers a promising strategy for addressing obesity-related health issues. This aligns with previous findings that emphasize the need for effective intervention strategies to minimize BMI and manage obesity[3]. In conclusion, the bioactive peptide GRSPDTHSG derived from DLSH demonstrates significant potential in attenuating lipid absorption and adipogenesis. By inhibiting pancreatic lipase and regulating cellular lipid metabolism, GRSPDTHSG offers a promising approach to managing obesity and its associated health risks. The study conducted by Chulalongkorn University provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing research in functional foods and nutraceuticals aimed at improving public health outcomes.

HerbsHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Lemon basil seed-derived peptide: Hydrolysis, purification, and its role as a pancreatic lipase inhibitor that reduces adipogenesis by downregulating SREBP-1c and PPAR-γ in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Published 22nd May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301966

Related Studies

2) The biology and chemistry of hyperlipidemia.

Journal: Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry, Issue: Vol 15, Issue 14, Jul 2007

3) Obesity: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutics.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.706978

4) Obesity and Cancer: A Current Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Outcomes, and Management.

https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15020485


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