Anti-Obesity Effects of Pleurotus ferulae Water Extract on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice

This study offers promising insights into the anti-obesity potential <i>of Pleurotus ferulae,</i> an edible mushroom valued in Asian cuisine for its nutritional benefits. A hot water extract of <i>P. ferulae</i> (PWE) administered to high-fat diet-induced obese mice over an 8-week period significantly reduced their body weight gain and fat accumulation. PWE not only improved the body weight metrics but also positively influenced the serum lipid profile of obese mice by lowering their total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. In vitro studies using 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed that PWE inhibited adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation by downregulating key adipogenic transcription factors, particularly PPARγ and C/EBPα, as well as related lipogenic genes involved in fat synthesis and storage, such as Fabp4, Fasn, and Scd1. Chemical analysis revealed that PWE is rich in polysaccharides, which have been associated with various health benefits, including anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in PWE may serve as functional food components that could potentially be applied for the prevention and management of obesity and other metabolic disorders.