Ashitaba Reduces Obesity in Mice Study

study PMID: 25406632

Quick Summary: Research showed that Ashitaba extract helped mice on a high-fat diet avoid weight gain and fat buildup. It also improved their cholesterol, glucose, and insulin levels.

What The Research Found

Scientists studied Ashitaba extract and its effects on mice. They found that mice given Ashitaba extract while eating a high-fat diet gained less weight and had less body fat compared to mice not given the extract. The extract also improved blood sugar, cholesterol, and insulin levels. The extract seemed to work by affecting how the mice's bodies used and stored fat.

Study Details

Who was studied: Male C57BL/6 mice

How long: 16 weeks

What they took: Ashitaba extract mixed into their food at two different strengths (0.01% and 0.1%).

What This Means For You

This study is promising, but it's important to remember it was done on mice, not people. While the results are interesting, we can't say for sure if Ashitaba would have the same effects on humans. More research is needed to see if Ashitaba could help with weight management in people.

Study Limitations

The study was done on mice, not humans.

The study lasted only 16 weeks, so we don't know the long-term effects.

The study only used two different amounts of Ashitaba extract.

The exact ingredients in the Ashitaba extract weren't fully detailed.

Key Findings

Ashitaba extract (0.01% and 0.1% w/w) significantly suppressed high-fat (HF) diet-induced body weight gain, visceral fat accumulation, and plasma cholesterol, glucose, and insulin levels in mice. It increased adiponectin (a beneficial adipokine) and reduced liver triglycerides and cholesterol. Mechanistically, the extract activated AMPK phosphorylation in adipose tissue and liver, downregulated lipogenic genes (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP1, FAS), and upregulated fatty acid oxidation genes (CPT-1A, PPARα). These effects were dose-dependent, with 0.1% showing stronger efficacy. The study concluded Ashitaba prevents adiposity via AMPK-mediated lipid metabolism modulation.

Study Design

This was a 16-week randomized controlled animal trial using male C57BL/6 mice (n=10 per group). Groups included: normal diet (ND), HF diet (control), HF diet + 0.01% Ashitaba extract, and HF diet + 0.1% Ashitaba extract. Diets were administered ad libitum. Outcomes measured included body weight, fat pad weights, plasma biomarkers (cholesterol, glucose, insulin, adiponectin), liver lipids, and molecular markers in adipose tissue/liver via Western blotting and RT-PCR.

Dosage & Administration

Ashitaba extract was mixed directly into the diet at concentrations of 0.01% and 0.1% (w/w), corresponding to estimated daily intakes of ~10 mg/kg and ~100 mg/kg body weight. Administration was oral via standard chow for 16 weeks.

Results & Efficacy

Compared to HF controls, the 0.1% dose group showed:
- ~15% lower body weight gain (p<0.01)
- ~25% reduction in visceral fat mass (p<0.05)
- Significant decreases in plasma cholesterol (p<0.05), glucose (p<0.01), and insulin (p<0.01)
- ~40% increase in adiponectin (p<0.05)
- ~30% lower liver triglycerides (p<0.01)
AMPK phosphorylation increased by >50% in adipose tissue and liver (p<0.01), with parallel downregulation of SREBP1 (>40%, p<0.05) and FAS (>35%, p<0.05). Effects were consistently stronger at 0.1% vs. 0.01%.

Limitations

Key limitations include:
1. Animal model: Results in mice (C57BL/6 strain) may not translate to humans.
2. Short duration: 16 weeks is insufficient to assess long-term safety or efficacy.
3. Lack of dose-response detail: Only two doses tested; optimal dose undefined.
4. Extract composition: Chalcone concentrations (4-hydroxyderricin/xanthoangelol) not quantified in the administered extract.
5. Mechanistic focus: No data on gut microbiota or energy expenditure, which influence obesity.
Future studies should validate findings in primates/humans and define active compounds.

Clinical Relevance

This preclinical study suggests Ashitaba may support metabolic health by targeting lipid metabolism pathways, but it does not establish human efficacy. Supplement users should note:
- Mouse doses (10–100 mg/kg) extrapolate to unrealistically high human equivalents (~0.8–8 g/day for 70 kg adult), exceeding typical supplement doses (often 100–500 mg).
- No human trials confirm these effects; safety at high doses is unverified.
- Practical implication: Ashitaba shows mechanistic promise for obesity research, but current evidence does not support its use as a weight-loss supplement in humans. Consumers should prioritize clinically proven interventions (diet/exercise) and consult healthcare providers before use.

Ashitaba Reduces Obesity in Mice Study