Lead Anti-Obesity Compounds from Nature

Abstract

Background: Obesity has become a global issue, leading to increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which encompasses diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, and certain cancers. However, obesity is difficult to control through diet and exercise alone, as they are difficult to implement.

Objective: The objective of this review is to elucidate the active constituents that can be obtained from various natural sources that act as anti-obesity agents. Due to the global rise in the prevalence of obesity, an urgent need to prevent and control it has arisen.

Methods: For this review, we compiled information about natural anti-obesity products through an electronic search of the articles available via PubMed, Scopus, and other internet sources for the period 1975-2019 and included our own research. We analyzed and organized data on various natural products in popular use in addition to relevant pharmacognostic and biological studies. The products' mechanisms of action were also investigated.

Conclusion: Consumption of diets that include high amounts of active anti-obesity natural compounds is a promising strategy for the suppression of lipid accumulation and adipogenesis in obese individuals.

Keywords: Obesity; anti-lipolytic compounds; anti-obesity compounds; marine sources; natural products; phytochemicals; plants.