Natural Product Approaches to Obesity Management
Summary
Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder characterised by excessive adipose tissue accumulation and associated with chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and dysregulated energy homeostasis. Natural products offer a multifaceted toolkit for obesity management, ranging from isolated phytochemicals and botanical extracts to advanced delivery systems that enhance bioavailability and target key metabolic pathways. Mechanistic strategies include inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, promotion of lipid mobilisation, modulation of gut microbiota composition and regulation of appetite-related signalling. Many plant-derived compounds exert effects on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and inflammatory cascades, thereby integrating nutritional, pharmacological and nutraceutical approaches. These interventions have global significance, offering affordable, culturally acceptable and comparatively safe alternatives or adjuncts to conventional therapies. Ongoing efforts focus on improving formulation stability, enhancing intestinal absorption and elucidating synergistic interactions within complex botanical preparations. The translational potential spans preventive supplementation, dietary enhancement and co-therapeutic regimens alongside lifestyle modification.
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Natural Product Approaches to Obesity Management publication trend
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Technical terms
Adipogenesis: The cellular process by which pre-adipocytes differentiate into lipid-laden adipocytes, contributing to fat mass expansion.
Lipolysis: The enzymatic breakdown of stored triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, facilitating energy release.
Bioavailability: The proportion of an orally administered substance that reaches systemic circulation and is available for biological activity.
AMPK (Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase): A key energy sensor in cells that promotes catabolic pathways and inhibits lipid synthesis under low-energy conditions.
Phytochemical: A naturally occurring compound in plants that may exert biological effects, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and metabolic actions.
References
- Zein and Trimethyl Chitosan-Based Core–Shell Nanoparticles for Quercetin Oral Delivery to Enhance Absorption by Paracellular Pathway in Obesity Mice. Biomaterials Research (2025).
- Anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity effects of morroniside in vitro and in vivo. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (2024).
- Natural Dietary and Herbal Products in Anti-Obesity Treatment. Molecules (2016).
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