Garcinia indica extract standardized for 20% Garcinol reduces adipogenesis and high fat diet-induced obesity in mice by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress

Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone extracted from the fruit rind of Garcinia indica, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. We studied the mechanism of anti-obesity activity of Garcinia indica extract standardized for 20% Garcinol (GIE). 3T3L1 cells were used to study the effects on adipogenesis in vitro, while high-fat diet-fed C57/BL6 mice were used to study the anti-obesity activity. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, histochemical analysis, and ELISA were used to study the mechanism of action. GIE inhibited adipogenesis in vitro, increased uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) and reduced the endoplasmic reticulum stress in the treated cells. Animals treated with GIE were lean despite high-fat feed and showed lower visceral fat accumulation. GIE was found to alleviate the endoplasmic reticulum stress in the adipose tissues. Our results suggest that GIE with 20% Garcinol is an attractive option for the management of obesity by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress.