PHB Improves Metabolic Homeostasis in Obese C57BL6 Male Mice Fed a High Fat Diet.

Pharmacological approaches to combat metabolic syndrome have been met with limited success. Given the critical role AMPK plays in metabolic homeostasis, targeting this protein as a potential treatment and prevention strategy for metabolic syndrome could be of clinical interest. Our current study investigated the effects of a well-defined poly-herbal blend (PHB) on high fat diet (HFD)-induced body mass dysregulation and alterations in metabolic homeostasis and glycemic control in mice. Age-matched mice were fed standard lab chow for six weeks, then switched to HFD supplemented with PHB. Preliminary data demonstrate that body weights of control and PHB-treated mice were comparable in chow fed animals. However, mice fed HFD supplemented with PHB gained less weight compared to controls. Furthermore, PHB-fed obese mice exhibited improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Food intake of control and PHB-treated mice were comparable on both diets. Consistent with the decreased body weight, PHB supplementation resulted in decreased fat mass. Mechanistic studies in adipocytes and muscle cells demonstrated that these beneficial effects were mediated, at least in part, through regulation of the AMPK signaling pathway. Taken together, our preliminary studies identify PHB as a natural and sustainable approach for the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome and warrant additional investigation.