Carnosic acid prevents obesity and hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice

Aim: Carnosic acid (CA) inhibits adipogenesis in vitro. The present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of CA in ob/ob mice. Methods: The experimental animals were given a standard chow diet with or without CA for 5 weeks. Bodyweight gain and food intake were measured during this period. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis, histological examination, serum chemistry analysis and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) were all performed. Results: The mice fed CA experienced significant weight loss and reduced visceral adiposity, in addition to significantly reduced serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels. Importantly, CA had a dramatic effect on the liver by reducing the hepatic TG content, thus decreasing serum alanine aminotransferase levels. In addition, IPGTT revealed that CA significantly improved glucose tolerance. Conclusion: These data suggest that CA is a novel therapeutic agent for obesity-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.