Obesity, a chronic metabolic disorder, is characterized by enlarged fat mass and dysregulation of lipid metabolism. The medicinal plant, Boesenbergia pandurata (Roxb.) Schltr., has been reported to possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its anti-
obesity activity is unexplored. The present study was conducted to determine whether B. pandurata extract (BPE), prepared from its rhizome parts, attenuated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced
obesity in C57BL/6J mice. The molecular mechanism was investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and HepG2 human
hepatoma cells. BPE treatment decreased
triglyceride accumulation in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and HepG2 hepatocytes by activating
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and regulating the expression of lipid metabolism-related
proteins. In the animal model,
oral administration of BPE (200 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) significantly reduced HFD-induced
body weight gain without altering the amount of food intake. In addition, elevated serum levels of total
cholesterol,
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and
triglycerides were suppressed by BPE administration. Fat pad masses were reduced in BPE-treated mice, as evidenced by reduced adipocyte size. Furthermore, BPE protected against the development of
nonalcoholic fatty liver by decreasing hepatic
triglyceride accumulation. BPE also activated AMPK signaling and altered the expression of lipid metabolism-related
proteins in white adipose tissue and liver. Taken together, these findings indicate that BPE attenuates HFD-induced
obesity by activating AMPK and regulating lipid metabolism, suggesting a potent
anti-obesity agent.