Investigating the inhibitory effect of β-Rb1-Lip on lipid droplet accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

[Objective] <i>β</i>-Sitosterol-modified ginsenoside Rb₁ liposomes （<i>β</i>-Rb₁-Lip） were prepared to reduce the degradation of Rb₁ and enhance the lipid-lowering effects of ginsenoside Rb1. [Methods] <i>β</i>-sitosterol-modified ginsenoside Rb₁ liposomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method. The biosafety of the liposomes was assessed using the MTT assay. The inhibition of lipid droplet accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by <i>β</i>-Rb₁-Lip was investigated using Oil Red O staining and triglyceride （TG） content measurement with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [Results] The prepared <i>β</i>-Rb₁-Lip liposomes had an encapsulation efficiency of 83.74% and an average particle size of 198 nm. The release rate of Rb₁ from <i>β</i>-Rb₁-Lip was about 80% within 12 hours, demonstrating a good sustained-release effect. Regarding lipid-lowering activity, <i>β</i>-Rb₁-Lip at 50 μmol/L showed a significant inhibitory rate of intracellular lipid droplets. Compared to the same concentration of Rb1 monomer, <i>β</i>-Rb₁-Lip had a more significant inhibitory effect on the accumulation of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells and did not exhibit cytotoxicity. [Conclusion] <i>β</i>-Rb₁-Lip has high encapsulation efficiency, small particle size, and obvious sustained-release characteristics. It can continuously release the active component ginsenoside Rb₁, enhance its lipid-lowering efficacy, and reduce the dosage, providing support for the development of Rb₁ lipid-lowering products.