In Southeast Asia, the fruit, flowers, and leaves of Indonesia’s Melinjo tree are traditional foods.
In a new study, researchers found that Melinjo seed extract (MSE) stimulates the production of adiponectin, a beneficial hormone that improves obesity and diabetes.
The research was conducted by a team from Kumamoto University, Japan.
Melinjo fruit has high antioxidant and antibacterial qualities and are known to contain large amounts of polyphenols.
One such compound, resveratrol, has been shown to induce adiponectin and may improve lifestyle-related diseases like metabolic syndrome.
Gnetin C, a type of resveratrol abundant in MSE, is known to have higher antioxidant activity and stays in the body longer than resveratrol.
However, the mechanism by which these compounds exert their biological activity is still unknown.
The team conducted component isolation and identification of useful plants and natural products from around the world and evaluates their pharmacological effects.
In the study, the team tested 42 healthy adult men who took Melinjo seed extract supplements for 14 days.
They found that taking 300 mg of MSE per day activated adiponectin in men.
They then found that using Melinjo seed extract on mice could strongly improve diabetic symptoms such as increased fat accumulation and fasting blood glucose levels.
The team believes that their findings can benefit human health through the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
They hope that this work contributes to a healthier society through the creation of innovative medicines and products from plants and other natural resources.
It is important to provide solid scientific evidence that supports the use of natural resources in emerging countries and using them for beneficial drug discovery and health.
The study is published in Scientific Reports.
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