Scientists explore a compound in chestnut flower for its anti-obesity properties

( Natural News ) Cinnamyl alcohol, an organic compound found in Japanese chestnut ( Castanea crenata ) flowers, can potentially be used in treating – and even preventing – obesity, according to a study in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine . In their report, researchers from South Korea looked at whether chestnut flower extract can effectively prevent the accumulation of fat cells using a 3T3-L1 cell model. Earlier studies on the Japanese chestnut have proven to be promising. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers from Chonnam National University in South Korea found that the tree contained quinolinone alkaloids, known for their possible anti-cancer properties . Other studies also revealed that it has potent antioxidant properties, as well as the ability to regulate the production of melanin. In this study, the South Korea team looked at how extracts derived from Japanese chestnut affected the formation of adipocytes. In particular, adipocyte cells are linked to the development and buildup of fat cells in the body. They also looked at the main compounds in the extract responsible for the biological activity. The researchers found that after the 3T3-L1 cells were exposed to the chestnut flower extracts, these exhibited a reduction in lipid cell build up, especially those in the 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine/dexamethasone/insulin (MDI) medium. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed 10 compounds; among them, the researchers identified cinnamyl alcohol to have dose-dependent inhibition on lipid cells in the MDI medium. In particular, cinnamyl alcohol demonstrated significant inhibition properties without harming relatively healthier cells. Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of high-density nutrition, including the extraordinary "sulforaphane" and "glucosinolate" nutrients found only in cruciferous healing foods. Every lot laboratory tested. See availability here. In sum, the researchers concluded that both […]

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