Anti- adipogenic actions of Cyperus rotundus L. in 3T3L-1 Cells

Obesity can be described as the "New World Syndrome". It is a multi-factorial disorder, which is often associated with many other significant diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. The management of obesity will therefore require a comprehensive range of strategies focussing on existing weight problems and obesity complications. Herbal drugs are an integral part of the traditional medicines due to presence of wide range of nature made bioactive compounds. Musta (Cyperus rotundus L.) is one such drug practiced for management of obesity in Ayurveda and other traditional system of medicines. The present study reports the cytotoxicity and anti-adipogenic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. rotundus in 3T3L1 cell line at concentration 1, 10 and 100 μg /ml. MTT (3-(4,5-dimetrhylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium) assay revealed non-toxic nature of both extracts. Inhibition of lipid accumulation in cells was observed significant in ethanolic extract. Significant reduction in lipid accumulation at 100 μg /ml concentration was observed in ethanol extract sample. The anti-adipogenic effect of the Musta is attributed to the reduced expression of PPARg (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma), and increased expression of GLUT4 (Glucose transporter protein type-4) in 3T3 L1 cells as assessed by the RT-PCR. The Cyperus rotundus L. in ethanolic extract proves a potential herb for the management of obesity and related non-communicable diseases.