Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach and its Flavonoid Components, Isoquercitrin and Isorhamnetin, Activate the Wnt/β-catenin Pathway and Inhibit Adipocyte Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Cells

Obesity, which is related to metabolic syndrome and is associated with liver disease, represents an epidemic problem demanding effective therapeutic strategies. Evidence shows that the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is closely associated with obesity and that small molecules regulating the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway can potentially control adipogenesis related to obesity. Eleven plant extracts activating the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway were screened by using HEK 293-TOP cells retaining the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling reporter gene. An extract of Persicaria hydropiper ( L.) Spach was found to activate Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. P. hydropiper is grown worldwide in temperate climates and is found widely in Southeast Asia. The P. hydropiper extract inhibited the differentiation of adipocyte 3T3-L1 cells. Isoquercitrin and isorhamnetin, constituents of P. hydropiper, also activated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. These results indicate that isoquercitrin in P. hydropiper suppresses the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells via the inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. P. hydropiper and isoquercitrin may therefore be potential therapeutic agents for obesity and its associated disorders. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.