Effects of ebelactone B, a lipase inhibitor, on intestinal fat absorption in the rat

Ebelactones A and B, natural products from Streptomyces aburaviensis are potent inhibitors of pancreatic lipase. Lipase is the key enzyme required for the absorption of dietary triglycerides (TG). Ebelactone B inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the intestinal absorption of fat after fat-feeding in the rat. The most effective inhibition was observed when the inhibitor was administered at 60 min prior to fat-feeding. When ebelactone B (10 mg/kg) was administered, the serum levels of TG (58%) and cholesterol (36%) were decreased. Since ebelactone B effectively inhibitors absorption of dietary fat, if may provide a promising means for prophylaxis or therapeutics of hyperlipidemia and obesity.