Effect of flavonoids in preclinical models of experimental obesity

• DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2021.100260
• Publication Date: 2021-02-21T17:27:44Z
• Authors: Luana M. Cercato; Janaíne P. Oliveira; Marília T. Santan...; Nelson Andrade; Fátima Martel; Enilton A. Camargo
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 2. Zero hunger; 03 medical and health sciences; 3. Good health

Abstract Background Obesity is a disease characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, weight gain, increased glycemia and lipid profile. These alterations produce deleterious health effects through time. Faced with the growing search for coadjuvant options for obesity and its associated comorbidities, bioactive compounds such as flavonoids are an interesting alternative, since the beneficial effects of flavonoids on lipid levels, energy metabolism, and weight status have already been reported in the literature. This study was carried out to review the effect of some flavonoids tested in preclinical models of obesity. Methods We conducted a database search including MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS, EMBASE, LILACS and SCIELO and selected articles published until August 2020, using keywords related to flavonoids, obesity and animal experimentation and their MeSH variations. Results Forty-seven studies were selected. We noted that oral supplementation in the diet of flavonoids for a few weeks was able to reduce body weight, blood glucose, glucose tolerance, resistance to insulin, and fat and lipid profiles. These beneficial effects were related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions by modulating different pathways, such as PPARγ, JNK and AMPK. Conclusion These findings strongly indicate the flavonoids quercetin, genistein, naringenin, apigenin, epigallocatechin gallate and cyanidin 3-glucoside have potential in complementary therapy against obesity.