The effect of Irvingia gabonensis seeds on body weight and blood lipids of obese subjects in Cameroon

Dietary fibres are frequently used for the treatment of obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Irvingia gabonensis seeds in the management of obesity. This was carried out as a double blind randomised study involving 40 subjects (mean age 42.4 years). Twenty-eight subjects received Irvingia gabonensis (IG) (1.05 g three time a day for one month) while 12 were on placebo (P) and the same schedule. During the one-month study period all subjects were on a normocaloric diet evaluated every week by a dietetic record book. At the end, the mean body weight of the IG group was decreased by 5.26 ± 2.37% (p < 0.0001) and that of the placebo group by 1.32 ± 0.41% (p < 0.02). The difference observed between the IG and the placebo groups was significant (p < 0.01). The obese patients under Irvingia gabonensis treatment also had a significant decrease of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and an increase of HDL-cholesterol. On the other hand, the placebo group did not manifest any changes in blood lipid components. Irvingia gabonensis seed may find application in weight lose

IGOB131, a novel seed extract of the West African plant Irvingia gabonensis, significantly reduces body weight and improves metabolic parameters in overweight humans in a randomized double-blind placebo controlled investigation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A recent in vitro study indicates that IGOB131, a novel seed extract of the traditional West African food plant <it>Irvingia gabonensis</it>, favorably impacts adipogenesis through a variety of critical metabolic pathways including PPAR gamma, leptin, adiponectin, and glycerol-3 phosphate dehydrogenase. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the effects of IGOB131, an extract of <it>Irvingia gabonensis</it>, on body weight and associated metabolic parameters in overweight human volunteers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study participants comprised of 102 healthy, overweight and/or obese volunteers (defined as BMI > 25 kg/m²) randomly divided into two groups. The groups received on a daily basis, either 150 mg of IGOB131 or matching placebo in a double blinded fashion, 30–60 minutes before lunch and dinner. At baseline, 4, 8 and 10 weeks of the study, subjects were evaluated for changes in anthropometrics and metabolic parameters to include fasting lipids, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and leptin.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Significant improvements in body weight, body fat, and waist circumference as well as plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and leptin levels were observed in the IGOB131 group compared with the placebo group.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>Irvingia gabonensis </it>administered 150 mg twice daily before meals to overweight and/or obese human volunteers favorably impacts body weight and a variety of parameters characteristic of the metabolic syndrome. This is the first double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial regarding the anti-obesity and lipid profile modulating effects of an <it>Irvingia gabonensis </it>extract. The positive clinical results, together with our previously published mechanisms of gene expression modulation related to key metabolic pathways in lipid metabolism, provide impetus for much larger clinical studies. <it>Irvingia gabonensis </it>extract may prove to be a useful tool in dealing with the emerging global epidemics of obesity, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and their co-morbid conditions.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00645775</p

Oxidative stress and blood lipid profile in Cameroonian obese subjects

The relationship between obesity, blood lipids and oxidative stress was investigated in 200 participants. The Body Mass Index of the subjects were positively correlated with the percentage body fat, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the fasting blood glucose level, the oxidation of proteins and lipids as well as the concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol. On the other hand, the Body Mass Index was negatively correlated to sulhydryl and protein levels. Obese subjects also had significantly higher body fat (p<.001), waist circumference (p<.001), fasting blood glucose (p<.01) as well as systolic blood pressure (p<.05). Obesity, therefore, can be said to increase the oxidation of plasma proteins and lipids while reducing the antioxidant status as observed by the inverse relation between plasma sulfhydryl groups and the percentage body fat. This increase in oxidative stress can predispose obese people to illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus

Anti-inflammatory, anthropometric and lipomodulatory effects Dyglomera® (aqueous extract of Dichrostachys glomerata) in obese patients with metabolic syndrome

Background: Increased visceral fat, dyslipidemia and increased markers of inflammation and coagulation are cardiovascular risk factors commonly encountered in obese people with metabolic syndrome. Previous studies have shown that ground Dichrostachys glomerata (DG), a spice used in Western Cameroon, can have beneficial effects on inflammation and various other cardiovascular disease risk factors. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Dyglomera®, an aqueous extract of DG (standardized to NLT 10% polyphenols) on certain anthropometric, biochemical (including pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic states) and hemodynamic parameters in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods: The study was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 116 males and 202 females aged between 24 and 58 years. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and placebo. Capsules containing the active treatment (200 mg Dyglomera®) or placebo (200 mg maize powder) were administered 30–60 minutes before lunch and dinner throughout the study period. Various biochemical (namely, blood glucose, lipid profile, pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic markers), anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters were measured at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.Results: At the end of the study, the Dyglomera® group showed statistically significant differences in all 16 parameters compared to baseline values. Changes in BMI and waist circumference were accompanied by changes in biochemical parameters, with the exception of adiponectin levels which were not correlated to waist circumference and PAI-1 values. The results confirm the hypothesis that Dyglomera®, the aqueous extract of DG, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in obese human subjects

GLYCAEMIC VARIATIONS AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF IRVINGIA GABONENSIS SEEDS FRACTIONS IN NORMOGLYCEMIC RATS

The action of Irvingia gabonensis seed fractions in reducing or slowing down the intestinal absorption of glucose was evaluated in normoglycaemic rats. The crude seeds (CS), the defatted seeds (DS) and the protein fraction (PF) were administered at dose of 400mg/ kg body weight to normoglycemic rats submitted to oral glucose test (OGTT) with glucose (2g/kg body weight). The results obtained show a significant reduction of the postprandial glucose level after a glucose load of (2g/kg body weight) as well as fasting blood glucose levels with the three fractions

Inhibition of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract (OB131) on adipogenesis as mediated via down regulation of the PPARgamma and Leptin genes and up-regulation of the adiponectin gene

BACKGROUND: Endeavors to manage obesity have been heavily reliant on controlling energy intake and expenditure equilibrium, but have failed to curtail the overweight and obesity epidemic. This dynamic equilibrium is more complex than originally postulated and is influenced by lifestyle, calorie and nutrient intake, reward cravings and satiation, energy metabolism, stress response capabilities, immune metabolism and genetics. Fat metabolism is an important indicator of how efficiently and to what extent these factors are competently integrating. We investigated whether an Irvingia gabonensis seed extract (IGOB131) would provide a more beneficial comprehensive approach influencing multiple mechanisms and specifically PPAR gamma, leptin and adiponectin gene expressions, important in anti-obesity strategies. METHODS: Using murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes as a model for adipose cell biology research, the effects of IGOB131 were investigated on PPAR gamma, adiponectin, and leptin. These adipocytes were harvested 8 days after the initiation of differentiation and treated with 0 to 250 microM of IGOB131 for 12 and 24 h at 37 degree C in a humidified 5 percent CO2 incubator. The relative expression of PPAR gamma, adiponectin, and leptin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was quantified densitometrically using the software LabWorks 4.5, and calculated according to the reference bands of beta-actin. RESULTS: The IGOB131 significantly inhibited adipogenesis in adipocytes. The effect appears to be mediated through the down-regulated expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPAR gamma) [P less than 0.05] and adipocyte-specific proteins (leptin) [P less than 0.05], and by up-regulated expression of adiponectin [P less than 0.05]. CONCLUSION: IGOB131 may play an important multifaceted role in the control of adipogenesis and have further implications in in-vivo anti obesity effects by targeting the PPAR gamma gene, a known contributory factor to obesity in humans

Inhibition of <it>Irvingia gabonensis </it>seed extract (OB131) on adipogenesis as mediated via down regulation of the PPARgamma and Leptin genes and up-regulation of the adiponectin gene

Abstract Background Endeavors to manage obesity have been heavily reliant on controlling energy intake and expenditure equilibrium, but have failed to curtail the overweight and obesity epidemic. This dynamic equilibrium is more complex than originally postulated and is influenced by lifestyle, calorie and nutrient intake, reward cravings and satiation, energy metabolism, stress response capabilities, immune metabolism and genetics. Fat metabolism is an important indicator of how efficiently and to what extent these factors are competently integrating. We investigated whether an Irvingia gabonensis seed extract (IGOB131) would provide a more beneficial comprehensive approach influencing multiple mechanisms and specifically PPAR gamma, leptin and adiponectin gene expressions, important in anti-obesity strategies. Methods Using murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes as a model for adipose cell biology research, the effects of IGOB131 were investigated on PPAR gamma, adiponectin, and leptin. These adipocytes were harvested 8 days after the initiation of differentiation and treated with 0 to 250 microM of IGOB131 for 12 and 24 h at 37 degree C in a humidified 5 percent CO2 incubator. The relative expression of PPAR gamma, adiponectin, and leptin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was quantified densitometrically using the software LabWorks 4.5, and calculated according to the reference bands of beta-actin. Results The IGOB131 significantly inhibited adipogenesis in adipocytes. The effect appears to be mediated through the down-regulated expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPAR gamma) [P less than 0.05] and adipocyte-specific proteins (leptin) [P less than 0.05], and by up-regulated expression of adiponectin [P less than 0.05]. Conclusion IGOB131 may play an important multifaceted role in the control of adipogenesis and have further implications in in-vivo anti obesity effects by targeting the PPAR gamma gene, a known contributory factor to obesity in humans.</p

Potential association of moderate beer consumption with the occurrence of some anthropometric and metabolic disturbances: cross-sectional study in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background: The negative effects of alcohol abuse are well documented. However, definitions of moderate alcohol consumption are still controversial, differ in many parts of the world, and are rarely including African countries.Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of moderate consumption of beer as defined in many studies (less than 30 g alcohol per day) on the anthropometry and metabolism of Cameroonian drinkers.Materials and methods: The study included a total of 75 participants (aged 34-50). Among them, 37 were moderate beer drinkers and were compared to 38 lifetime abstainers. Anthropometric measurements were performed in all participants and included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waistto- hip ratio and adiposity. Hemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were also measured. Fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile and cardiometabolic risk indices were measured to monitor metabolism.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher among beer drinkers. Significantly higher values were found in drinkers concerning mean BMI in females (+18.66%; p&lt;0.01), waist circumference (+8-9 cm; p&lt;0.01), and body fat (+4-6%; p&lt;0.05) in both genders. Fasting plasma glucose in males (p&lt;0.01), total cholesterol in females (+71.20%; p&lt;0.01), HDL-cholesterol (+16.85-21.17%; p&lt;0.01), LDL-cholesterol (+59.87%-78.37%) were significantly higher among drinkers. No significant difference between drinkers and abstainers was noticed concerning blood pressure, pulse rate, plasma triglycerides and cardiometabolic risk indices.Conclusion: The occurrence of metabolic disturbances under the 30 g alcohol/ day threshold should raise awareness about defining moderate beer consumption locally in order to avoid alcohol-related health problems in the long term. Keywords: adiposity, beer, blood glucose, lipid profile, moderate consumption. French Abstract: Association potentielle d'une consommation modérée de bière avec la survenue de certaines perturbations anthropométriques et métaboliques : étude transversale à Yaoundé, CamerounContexte : Les effets négatifs de l'abus d'alcool sont bien documentés. Cependant, les définitions de la consommation modérée d'alcool sont encore controversées, diffèrent dans de nombreuses régions du monde et incluent rarement les pays africains.Objectif : Cette étude visait à évaluer les effets d'une consommation modérée de bière telle que définie dans de nombreuses études (moins de 30 g d'alcool par jour) sur l'anthropométrie et le métabolisme des buveurs camerounais.Matériels et méthodes : L'étude a inclus un total de 75 participants (âgés de 24 à 40 ans). Parmi eux, 37 étaient des buveurs modérés de bière et ont été comparés à 38 abstentionnistes à vie. Des mesures anthropométriques ont été effectuées chez tous les participants et comprenaient la taille, le poids, l'indice de masse corporelle (IMC), le tour de taille, le rapport taille-hanches et l'adiposité. Les paramètres hémodynamiques (pression artérielle systolique, pression artérielle diastolique et fréquence cardiaque ont également été mesurés. La glycémie à jeun, le profil lipidique et les indices de risque cardiométabolique ont été mesurés pour surveiller le métabolisme.Résultats : La prévalence du surpoids et de l'obésité était plus élevée chez les buveurs de bière. Des valeurs significativement plus élevées ont été trouvées chez les buveurs concernant l'IMC moyen chez les femmes (+18,66 %; p&lt;0,01), le tour de taille (+8-9 cm; p&lt;0,01) et la graisse corporelle (+4-6%; p&lt;0,05) dans les deux sexes. Glycémie à jeun chez les hommes (p&lt;0,01), cholestérol total chez les femmes (+71,20 % ; p&lt;0,01), cholestérol HDL (+16,85-21,17 % ; p&lt;0,01), cholestérol LDL (+59,87 %-78,37 % ) étaient significativement plus élevés chez les buveurs. Aucune différence significative entre les buveurs et les abstinents n'a été observée concernant la pression artérielle, le pouls, les triglycérides plasmatiques et les indices de risque cardiométabolique.Conclusion : La survenue de troubles métaboliques sous le seuil de 30 g d'alcool/jour doit sensibiliser à la définition locale d'une consommation modérée de bière afin d'éviter les problèmes de santé liés à l'alcool à long terme. Mots clés : adiposité, bière, glycémie, profil lipidique, consommation modérée