The overstoring of surplus calories in mature adipocytes causes obesity and abnormal metabolic activity. The anti-obesity effect of a Celosia cristata (CC) total flower extract was assessed in vitro, using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and mouse adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and in vivo, using high-fat diet (HFD)-treated C57BL/6 male mice.

CC extract was co-incubated during adipogenesis in both 3T3-L1 cells and ADSCs. After differentiation, lipid droplets were assessed by oil red O staining, adipogenesis and lipolytic factors were evaluated, and intracellular triglyceride and glycerol concentrations were analyzed. For in vivo experiments, histomorphological analysis, mRNA expression levels of adipogenic and lipolytic factors in adipose tissue, blood plasma analysis, metabolic profiles were investigated.

CC treatment significantly prevented adipocyte differentiation and lipid droplet accumulation, reducing adipogenesis-related factors and increasing lipolysis-related factors. Consequently, the intracellular triacylglycerol content was diminished, whereas the glycerol concentration in the cell supernatant increased. Mice fed an HFD supplemented with the CC extract exhibited decreased HFD-induced weight gain with metabolic abnormalities such as intrahepatic lipid accumulation and adipocyte hypertrophy. Improved glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity were observed, accompanied by the amelioration of metabolic disturbances, including alterations in liver enzymes and lipid profiles, in CC-treated mice. Moreover, the CC extract helped restore the disrupted energy metabolism induced by the HFD, based on a metabolic animal monitoring system.

This study suggests that CC total flower extract is a potential natural herbal supplement for the prevention and management of obesity.