Potential Effects of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum Extract on Inhibiting Adipogenesis and Promoting Lipolysis in 3T3-L1 Cell Line

Obesity is a global health concern driven by excessive lipid accumulation and adipocyte dysfunction, requires therapeutic strategies that both inhibit fat formation and promote lipid degradation. This study investigated the dual anti-adipogenic and pro-lipolytic effects of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum leaf extract (PPE) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The phytochemical analysis of PPE performed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The findings revealed that GC-MS analysis of PPE identified 35 volatile compounds, with benzofuran (29.94%) as the major constituent. LC-MS detected 27 non-volatiles phytochemicals, including chlorogenic acid and p-coumaric acid. PPE exhibited no significant cytotoxic effects on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes at doses ranging from 50 - 150 μg/mL. At 150 μg/mL, PPE reduced lipid accumulation by 37.84% and increased glycerol release by 60.46%, indicating both an anti-adipogenic and a lipolytic properties. Gene expression analysis revealed that pre-treatment with 150 μg/mL of PPE promoted the upregulation of early adipogenic markers (C/EBPα, ACC1, FAS, and GLUT4) while downregulating markers associated with mature adipocytes (Adiponectin, AP2, and CD36), indicating interference with adipocyte differentiation and lipid synthesis. Additionally, PPE lowered intracellular reactive oxygen species, suggesting an antioxidative contribution to its anti-obesity action. Collectively, this study provides the first evidence that P. palatiferum exerts complementary regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells, offering new insight into its multi-target mechanisms and potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for obesity management. HIGHLIGHTS Abnormal lipid metabolism contributes to obesity, accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation. PPE modulates key pathways regulating fat storage and breakdown, leading to reduced lipid accumulation. PPE may influence adipose cells to reduce the release of inflammatory factors and subsequently to diminish oxidative stress. PPE may serve as a natural candidate for dietary or therapeutic strategies targeting obesity. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT