Anti-obesity effects of <i>Polygonum longisetum</i> root extract via regulation of adipogenic pathways in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells

Polygonum longisetum, commonly used in East Asian traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and diuretic effects, has recently attracted attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.However, studies investigating the anti-obesity effects of P. longisetum root, particularly its molecular mechanisms related to adipocyte differentiation, remain limited.Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of P. longisetum root extract (PORE) using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and to elucidate its effects on key transcription factors and signaling pathways involved in adipogenesis.PORE significantly reduced intracellular triglyceride accumulation during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, as confirmed by Oil Red O staining, which showed a marked decrease in both lipid droplet size and number.Additionally, the extract effectively suppressed the expression of key adipogenic proteins, including Peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and Fatty acid-binding protein 4. Mechanistic analysis revealed that PORE inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK) and enhanced AMPK activation, suggesting its regulatory role in both MAPK and AMPK signaling pathways.These results indicate that P. longisetum root extract suppresses adipocyte differentiation and exerts anti-obesity effects by modulating energy metabolism and adipogenic signaling.This study provides scientific evidence supporting the potential use of P. longisetum root as a functional food ingredient and a natural anti-obesity agent, and suggests its value in the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for obesity-related metabolic disorders.