Role of Ginsenosides in Browning of White Adipose Tissue to Combat Obesity: A Narrative Review on Molecular Mechanism

Abstract

Background and aims: Adipose tissue play an important role in the regulation of energy balance and homeostasis. Two main types of adipose tissue are found in mammals, white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). WAT acts as energy storage in the form of triglycerides; excess WAT is a cause of overweight and obesity. Conversely, BAT works by dissipating energy as heat, which may facilitate the suppression of obesity and play a vital role in maintaining core body temperature. Recently a new type of adipocyte has been introduced: beige or brite adipocytes. This adipocyte has morphological and functional similarities to BAT but, developmentally, it is more closely related to WAT. In response to appropriate stimuli, WAT deposits can take on characteristics like BAT and act as beige or brite adipocyte, through a process called "browning." Browning has become a promising therapeutic target for obesity due to its fat-burning potential.

Methods: Searches were carried out using MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The in vivo and in vitro mechanisms of ginsenosides related to beige adipocytes were also included.

Results: In this review, we found a considerable number of articles suggesting that the anti-obesity action of ginsenosides might be related to WAT browning and discussed the possible mechanisms for this.

Conclusion: Current evidence from the in vitro and in vivo studies strongly supports that ginsenosides may play a significant role in the browning of WAT. The browning effects of ginsenosides are associated with various signaling pathways, markers, and transcription factors. In conclusion, ginsenosides may help counteract obesity by promoting the browning of WAT.

Keywords: Adipose tissue; Browning; Ginsenosides; Obesity; Uncoupling protein 1.