Argan oil reduces, in rats, the high fat diet-induced metabolic effects of obesity

doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2015.01.001

Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases

Volume 25, Issue 4, April 2015, Pages 382-387

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2015.01.001 Get rights and content

Highlights

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Argan oil has an interesting composition.
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We studied the effects of argan oil on obesity.
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Argan oil reduced high fat diet-induced noxious effects.
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Argan oil might be used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle.

Abstract

Background and Aim

Obesity is a multi-factorial disorder which is of worldwide concern. In addition to calorie control, some specific dietary components might help resolving some of the complication of obesity, by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated the effect of argan oil supplementation on plasma lipid profile and oxidant-antioxidant status of rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity compared with rats fed a normal diet (ND).

Methods and Results

We used an animal model of high fat diet-induced obesity to study the metabolic effects of argan oil and we measured several markers lipid and redox statuses. Consumption of a high-fat diet led to an increase in serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triacylglycerols (TAG) concentrations; however, argan oil blunted the increases of TC, LDL-C and TG, glucose, and insulin. Plasma total antioxidant capacity, erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were lower, whereas plasma hydroperoxide, thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances, and susceptibility of LDL to copper-induced oxidation were higher in obese rats compared with normal rats. Administration of argan oil ameliorated all these indices of redox status.

Conclusions

Proper diet and lifestyle should be foremost implemented to reduce the lipoprotein metabolism and oxidant/antioxidant status alterations brought about by obesity. In addition, argan oil reduces the metabolic effects of obesity and its use might be promoted within the context of a balanced diet.

Introduction

Obesity is a multi-factorial disorder whose major cause is a surplus energy intake over expenditure. This condition is characterized by excessive body fat content (assessed as body mass index) and glucose and lipid/lipoprotein abnormalities. The latter include elevated cholesterol [namely low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol]; triacylglycerols; and apolipoprotein B, and lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations. In addition to adipose tissue hypertrophy, obesity is associated with important co-morbidity, in part due to the secretion of noxious mediators from adipocytes. In addition to dyslpipidemia, oxidative stress has been suggested as a contributor to obesity and associated metabolic syndrome (MetS). Indeed an impairment of some antioxidant enzymes', i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), activities is one of obesity's characteristics [1]. Also, low-weight, non-enzymatic antioxidants appear to be negatively affects by obesity [2].

In addition to calorie control, some specific dietary components might help resolving some of the complication of obesity, by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [3]. One vegetable oil potentially helpful in modulating obesity's co-factors is argan oil, which is obtained from the fruit of Argania spinosa (Sapotaceae), an endemic tree which mostly grows in Maghreb, namely South-Western Morocco and Algeria (in the Tindouf countryside). The average fatty acid content of argan oil consists of 45% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 35% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and 20% saturated fatty acids (SFA) [4]. Moreover, virgin argan oil contains minor, bioactive components such as phenolic compounds, phytosterols, and tocopherols [4]. The profile of its phytochemical composition suggests a potential role in the nutritional prevention of cardiovascular diseases [4]. Indeed, recent experimental studies reported hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, and antihypertensive effects of argan oil in the rat [5]. Similar studies have demonstrated that the phenolic portion of argan oil inhibits human low-density lipoprotein oxidation and increases cholesterol efflux from human T-helper precursor-1 macrophages [6]. Furthermore, the phenolic, tocopherol, and saponin constituents of argan oil have been shown to provide powerful antioxidant effects [7]. Other properties that have been attributed to argan oil include antidiabetic [8], [9] and antithrombotic activity [10]. Indeed, we performed a human trial of argan oil (from Algeria) and we showed that argan oil is able to positively modulate some surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [4]. However, the in vivo effects of argan oil have never been investigated in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model. Therefore, we sought to comprehensively determine the effects of argan oil supplementation on plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, lipid profile, and oxidant-antioxidant status of rats fed an obesity-inducing high-fat diet as compared with rats fed a normal diet.

Section snippets

Animals and experimental diets

This investigation conforms to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, published by the US National Research Council (Eight Edition, 2010) and was approved by the local ethics committee. This manuscript conforms to the ARRIVE Guidelines for Reporting Animal Research. Adult male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were obtained from the Pasteur Institute of Algiers (Algeria) and were housed individually in plastic cages. Rats were kept under controlled conditions of light (12-h:12-h;

Body weight, food intake, and adipose tissue weight

High-fat diet consumption led to significantly higher body weight and weight gain as compared with normal diets (Table 3). However, supplementation with argan oil reduced such weight gain in both normal and obese rats. The daily food intake was greater in HFD rats than in the ND rats (p < 0.05), even though the HFD was calorically denser than the ND (19,315 vs. 16,439 kJ/kg). The HFD and HFD-AO rats had a higher relative adipose tissue weight compared with ND and ND-OA rats, argan oil treatment

Discussion

In an animal model of high-fat diet-induced obesity, we show that argan oil favorably affects body weight, lipid profile, and oxidant/antioxidant status. As expected, rats that were given the high-fat diets (HFD and HFD-AO) gained more weight and also exhibited higher adipose tissue weight as compared with ND and ND-AO control animals. The increased body weight observed in obese rats was strongly associated with that of their adipose depots, suggesting that the former largely depends on the

Conclusions

In conclusion, proper diet and lifestyle should be foremost implemented to reduce the lipoprotein metabolism and oxidant/antioxidant status alterations brought about by obesity. In addition, argan oil reduces the metabolic effects of obesity and its use might be promoted within the context of a balanced diet.

Conflict of interest

None.

Acknowledgments

European FEDER Funds. Due to editorial constraints we could not reference all relevant papers.

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Biological activities of argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil: Evidences from in vivo studies
2022, Multiple Biological Activities of Unconventional Seed Oils
The therapeutic profits of argan oil have been increasingly sought after these days for its characteristic lipophilic antioxidant composition, majorly monounsaturated (up to 80%) and saturated (up to 20%) fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols, and polyphenols. These unique blend of lipophilic compounds, part from being safe, have been reported to be largely responsible especially for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia and obesity; and treatment for many dermatological disorders. Increasing interest in the nutricosmetics and cosmeceutical application of argan oil has led to more studies on the pharmacological benefits of the oil. So far, determination of active compounds in argan oil is abundant and extensive, which allows for the derivatization of several accurate analytical methods in the detection of adulteration and fraudulent in argan oil. However, clinical trials in substantiating various health-promoting bioactivities of the oil are relatively lacking. This chapter aims to present a review of proven biological properties specifically pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical of argan oil proven from the most recent clinical and preclinical (in vivo) data published. Although clinical data are increasingly available, this review shows that a lack of clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data as well as limited sample size constitutes a serious weakness in our knowledge about argan oil, therefore it is still in its infant stage to substantiate reported pharmacological activities to any potential clinical relevance.
Green argan oil extraction from roasted and unroasted seeds by using various polarity solvents allowed by the EU legislation
2020, Journal of Cleaner Production
Argan oil (AO) has traditionally been used for its dermatologic and hepatoprotective effects and for human nutrition. Traditionally, AO extraction is carried out by Moroccan women with the help of stone mill pressing. However, it is long and slow process that frequently is achieved at deficit hygiene conditions. In this research, unroasted seeds (US) and roasted seeds (RS) of argan tree have been extracted using different extraction systems: n-hexane, n-hexane:acetone (1:1, v/v), ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol:water (96:4, v/v), and water. The main results are; Hexane: acetone extraction yielded the highest FA amounts, at 39.7 g FA/100 g of total US seed, followed by acetone (36.5 g FA/100 g US seed). The main FA in all extracts were oleic acid, from 52.1 (ethanol:water) to 57.7% (hexane), and linoleic acid from 22.9 (hexane, US) to 29.3% (ethanol:water, RS), both of total FA. Oxidation levels, computed by conjugated diene index (CD), was extremely low for all extraction processes. CD were higher in RS in comparison with US, due to compounds produced in Maillard reactions. Colour parameters indicated a color variation from yellow (US) to brown (RS). Therefore, the conclusions can be summarized as follows. All extracting systems yielded good quality argan oil, thus, the tested procedures constitute a suitable alternative to the traditional extraction processes. The obtained oils could be used in the alimentary and cosmetic industries with different applications. Future research should be directed to check the unsaponifiable fractions of the oils here obtained. Overall, this research opens new perspectives for industries focused on argan oil extraction.
A comparative study on the effect of argan oil versus fish oil on risk factors for cardio-vascular disease in high-fat-fed rats
2019, Nutrition
Citation Excerpt :
Sour et al. [51] and El Midaoui et al. [52] found different results than ours in some respects. Sour et al. [51] reported that AO consumption decreased BW gain, AT weight, and plasma levels of glucose and insulin. Thus, El Midaoui et al. [52] reported that treatment with AO reduced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and IR of glucose-fed rats.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two different sources of polyunsaturated fatty acid—fish oil (FO) and argan oil (AO)—on some risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as platelet aggregation, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress.
To explore this, four groups of six male rats were fed with different diets: The first group received a standard diet (control); the second group received a high-fat diet; the third was fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with 5% FO, and the last group received a high-fat diet supplemented with 5% AO.
After 8 wk of the diet, AO showed a decrease in plasma lipids similar to that of FO. However, unlike FO, AO had no significant effect on hepatic lipid levels. On the other hand, supplementation with AO and FO similarly reduced platelet hyperactivity induced by high-fat diet. Concerning the results of oxidative stress, AO showed an antioxidant effect in the tissues and platelets greater than that observed in the high-fat FO group.
For rats, the consumption of FO prevented the development of adiposity, restored insulin sensitivity, decreased plasma and liver lipid levels, and also prevented the prothrombotic effect. Intake of AO as a food supplement did not affect adiposity or liver lipid levels but decreased plasma lipid levels and improved oxidative status and platelet activity. FO and, to a lesser degree, AO thus represent promising nutritional tools in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Isolated compounds from Cuscuta pedicellata ameliorate oxidative stress and upregulate expression of some energy regulatory genes in high fat diet induced obesity in rats
2018, Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy
Cuscuta pedicellata and some of its isolated compounds were suggested previously to have an anti-obesity effect in rats. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ten isolated compounds from C. pedicellata on insulin resistance, some oxidative stress markers and expression of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-1) genes in brown adipose tissue of high fat diet (HFD) rats.
One hundred and four male albino rats were divided into 13 groups. Group (1) was considered as normal untreated rats. Obesity was induced in all other groups by HFD. Group (2) served as obese control group and groups (3–11) were treated for four weeks with C. pedicellata extract or one of its isolated compounds (naringenin, kaempferol, aromadenderin, quercetin, 3,5,7,30,50-pentahydroxy flavanone, naringenin-7-O-b-d-glucoside, aromadenderin-7-O-b-d-glucoside, taxifolin 7-O-b-d-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-b-d-glucoside [astragalin], and quercitin-3-O-b-d-glucoside [isoquercitrin]). At the end of the experiment, rats were then sacrificed under anesthesia and their brown adipose tissues were dissected out for determination of UCP-1 and CPT-1 genes using quantitative PCR. Blood samples were collected for determination of blood glucose, insulin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.
A significant reduction in homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and TBARS levels was observed in rats treated with C. pedicellata crude extract and some of its isolated compounds, with a significant increase in SOD and catalase levels and upregulation of UCP-1 and CPT-1 genes expression compared to the obese control group.
This study suggests a beneficiary role of C. pedicellata in reducing insulin resistance, oxidative stress and enhancing energy expenditure.
A preliminary exploration of the potential of Eugenia uvalha Cambess juice intake to counter oxidative stress
2018, Food Research International
The ability of foods to aid in the prevention of chronic metabolic diseases, has recently become an area of increased interest. In addition, there is growing interest in exploring the benefits of consuming underutilized fruits as alternatives to commercially available fruits. Eugenia uvalha Cambess (uvaia) is a native fruit of Brazil with great market and phytotherapy potential. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of uvaia juice (UJ) on the levels of protein carbonyls (PCO) and antioxidant enzymes in the livers of rats fed a high-fat diet.
Thirty-two female rats were randomly assigned to four groups. The rats were fed either a standard diet (group C) or a high-fat diet (group HF). In addition, groups CUJ and HFUJ were treated with UJ (2 mL/day) administered via gavage for 8 weeks.
In our study, UJ displayed high antioxidant activity (135.14 ± 9.74 GAE/100 g). Administration of UJ caused a significantly reduced concentration of rat liver PCO (47.4%), which was associated with a 29% increase in catalase activity. A significant increase in the concentration of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) (15.04 ± 5.08 nmol/ml) and a reduction in the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) (11.30 ± 2.68) were found in the HF group, whilst these changes were not observed in the HFUJ group (a result similar to that of group C).
Our results demonstrate that UJ decreases oxidative damage by improving antioxidant efficiency and attenuating oxidative damage to proteins.
Argan oil reduces oxidative stress, genetic damage and emperipolesis in rats treated with acrylamide
2017, Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy
Citation Excerpt :
It also contains minor compounds such as tocopherols, sterols (schottenol and spinasterol), phenols (ferulic, syringic and vanillic acid), triterpene alcohols, carotenoids, xanthophyls and squalene. Because of these compounds, AO is an important and powerful antioxidant source [12–15]. In addition, it protects against oxidation because it is an important source of vitamin E [13].
Acrylamide (AA), a well-known toxicant, is present in high-temperature-processed foods in heated foods. Argan oil (AO), a natural vegetable oil, is receiving increasing attention due to its powerful biological properties. However, limited information is available about its effects in lymphoid organs and bone marrow. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of AO on hematological parameters, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), protein carbonyl (PCO), glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, the formation of micronucleus (MN) and megakaryocytic emperipolesis (ME) against AA-induced toxicity in rats. The animals were treated with AA (50 mg/kg/day), AO (6 ml/kg/day per day) and AA + AO (50 mg + 6 ml/kg/day) for 30 days. Treatment of rats with AA significantly decreased the hematological parameters, GSH and MPO activity and PCEs ratio while it increased TBARs, PCOs and 8-OHdG levels and formation of MN and ME. No significant differences were observed in the animals received the AO alone. Co-treatment with AA + AO ameliorated almost all of the alterations caused by AA and exhibited protective effect in rats. Based on the obtained results, we suggest that integration of AO in diet or using its supplements may be a good strategy for improving tissue injury in many diseases.

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View full text

Argan oil reduces, in rats, the high fat diet-induced metabolic effects of obesity

Highlights

Abstract

Background and Aim

Methods and Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Section snippets

Animals and experimental diets

Body weight, food intake, and adipose tissue weight

Discussion

Conclusions

Conflict of interest

Acknowledgments

Eur J Pharmacol

Atherosclerosis

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis

Metabolism

Nutrition

Cell

Atherosclerosis

Clin Nutr

Prostagl Leukot Essent Fat Acids

Metabolism

Pharmacol Res

Drug Discov Today Ther Strateg

Clin Biochem

Oxidative stress and potential interventions to reduce oxidative stress in overweight and obesity

Diabetes Obes Metab

Biochemical study of oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidney and heart of high fat diet induced obesity in rats

Diabetol Metab Syndr