A Review on Obesity Management through Natural Compounds and a Green Nanomedicine-Based Approach
Monika Bhardwaj1, Poonam Yadav1, Divya Vashishth1
1Department of Zoology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001, India.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Natural plant compounds offer promising, effective anti-obesity strategies. Nanoencapsulation enhances these compounds
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
- Metabolic Health and Therapeutics
- Nanotechnology in Medicine
Background:
- Obesity is a global health crisis, leading to severe comorbidities like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoarthritis.
- Current pharmaceutical treatments for obesity have limitations, necessitating novel strategies with improved efficacy and safety profiles.
- Plants contain diverse secondary metabolites with demonstrated anti-obesity potential, offering a natural alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review plants and their secondary metabolites with anti-obesity effects.
- To explore the role of nanoencapsulation in enhancing the efficacy of these natural anti-obesity agents.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of action for plant-derived anti-obesity compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on plant secondary metabolites and obesity.
- Analysis of research on nanoencapsulation techniques applied to anti-obesity compounds.
- Examination of in vitro and in vivo studies detailing mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Plant secondary metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids) exhibit significant anti-obesity properties.
- Nanoencapsulation improves the targeted delivery and efficacy of these natural compounds.
- Mechanisms include inhibition of lipid/carbohydrate metabolism, suppressed adipogenesis, reduced appetite, and enhanced energy expenditure.
Conclusions:
- Plant-derived secondary metabolites, particularly when nanoencapsulated, represent a viable strategy for combating obesity.
- Further research into these natural compounds and their nanoformulations can lead to safer and more effective anti-obesity treatments.
- Targeted delivery and enhanced bioavailability through nanotechnology amplify the therapeutic potential of natural anti-obesity agents.
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