Characterizing Eckol as a Therapeutic Aid: A Systematic Review

Manandhar, Bandana; Paudel, Pradeep; Seong, Su Hui; Jung, Hyun Ah; Choi, Jae Sue

Obesity is related to adipogenesis which is the process of pre-adipocyte differentiation into adipocytes due to the high energy input and lack of exercise. Adipogenesis is regulated by multiple processes, including pre-adipocyte proliferation, differentiation, and fatty acid oxidation and synthesis controlled by several factors. In one of the study, the inhibitory effects of enzyme-treated E. cava extract containing three distinct phlorotannins (eckol, dieckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol-A), separated and purified by pectinase and cellulose, was examined on the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. When 12.5, 50, and 200 µg/mL of extract was applied to the cells for 24 to 48 hours, the cell viability increased by 49.8%, 58.3%, and 65.5%, respectively; the glucose utilization decreased by 143.5 ± 14.6, 138.9 ± 7.3, and 96.7 ± 6.2 mg/dL, respectively; and triglyceride accumulation also decreased by 143.5 ± 8.7, 92.4 ± 1.3, and 77.1 ± 1.3 mg/dL, respectively. Treatment with 12.5, 50, and 200 µg/mL extract also decreased the lipid accumulation by 52.2%, 53.2%, and 62.6%, respectively in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, including a decrease in the expression of CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP)β but not C/EBPδ or PPARγ. A decrease in the protein levels of SREBP-1c, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein, FAS, and adiponectin was also observed [27] .