A recent study has highlighted the anti-obesity effects of a traditional fermented bamboo shoot variety from Tripura, known as ‘Melye-amiley’. The extract of this bamboo shoot offers a potential solution for weight management and improving metabolic health by reducing lipid accumulation and enhancing fatty acid β-oxidation.
The Role of Fermentation in Food Preservation and Health
Fermentation is an ancient technique used by humans to preserve food, improve nutritional value, and enhance taste and flavor. The methods of fermentation and the resulting products vary depending on environmental conditions, the availability of food materials, and the traditional knowledge of different communities.
Study Overview
The study, led by Prof. Mojibur R. Khan from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of traditional fermented bamboo shoots in the northeastern region of India. The research focused specifically on the ‘Melye-amiley’ variety from Tripura.
Key Findings from the Study
- Reduction in Lipid Accumulation: In vitro cell culture studies showed that ‘Melye-amiley’ extract reduces intracellular lipid accumulation, which is a key factor in obesity.
- Gene Expression Changes: The study found an increase in the expression of lipolytic genes (HSL, LPL, Agtl) and fat browning regulator genes (UCP1, PRDM16, PGC1-alpha), which help in breaking down fats and converting them into energy.
- Activation of AMPK Pathway: The extract also upregulated thermogenic protein expression through the AMPK signaling pathway, stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis and enhancing fatty acid β-oxidation.
- Impact on Energy Expenditure: These changes led to increased energy expenditure in white adipocytes, which suggests a promising approach to weight management and metabolic health.
Conclusion
The findings from this study, recently published in the journal ‘Food Frontiers’, suggest that ‘Melye-amiley’ fermented bamboo shoot extract has significant anti-obesity effects. By boosting energy expenditure and enhancing fatty acid oxidation, this traditional food could play a key role in addressing obesity and metabolic disorders.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the name of the traditional fermented bamboo shoot variety studied for its anti-obesity effects?
- a) Melye-amiley
- b) Melye-bamboo
- c) Tripura-shoot
- d) Bamboo-fat
- Answer: a) Melye-amiley
- Which pathway is activated by the treatment with Melye-amiley to enhance fatty acid β-oxidation?
- a) MAPK pathway
- b) AMPK pathway
- c) mTOR pathway
- d) JAK-STAT pathway
- Answer: b) AMPK pathway
- What does the study suggest about the effect of Melye-amiley on lipid accumulation?
- a) It increases lipid accumulation
- b) It reduces lipid accumulation
- c) It has no effect on lipid accumulation
- d) It causes lipid storage in muscles
- Answer: b) It reduces lipid accumulation
- Which of the following genes are upregulated by Melye-amiley, as per the study?
- a) Insulin and leptin
- b) HSL, LPL, Agtl
- c) PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α
- d) UCP2 and PRDM17
- Answer: b) HSL, LPL, Agtl
- Where was the study on the anti-obesity effects of Melye-amiley published?
- a) Journal of Obesity
- b) Food Frontiers
- c) Nature Medicine
- d) International Journal of Food Science
- Answer: b) Food Frontiers