# Anti-Obesity Activity of Giant Centella asiatica Lava Seawater Extract (GCA-LS-90) Through Regulation of Adipocyte Differentiation and Lipid Metabolism In Vitro

## TL;DR

This study shows that a seawater extract from Giant Centella asiatica reduces fat cell formation and boosts GLP-1, a hormone linked to appetite control, in lab tests.

## Contribution

The study introduces GCA-LS-90 as a novel extract with anti-obesity potential through its regulation of adipogenesis and GLP-1 secretion.

## Key findings

- GCA-LS-90 reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells by 24.3% at 200 µg/mL.
- The extract modulated key adipogenic and lipogenic genes and proteins.
- GCA-LS-90 increased GLP-1 secretion in STC-1 cells by 53.5 pmol/L at 90 µg/mL.

## Abstract

Obesity is well-known as a major risk factor for metabolic disorders, and natural compounds are being explored as alternatives to conventional therapies. While Centella asiatica is well known for its medicinal and dietary benefits, the biological activities of Giant Centella asiatica (GCA), especially when extracted with mineral-rich lava seawater, remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-adipogenic and lipid-metabolism-regulating effects of a novel GCA extract (GCA-LS-90) and its ability to stimulate GLP-1 secretion in vitro. GCA-LS-90 significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by up to 24.3% at 200 µg/mL (p < 0.001). It downregulated adipogenic transcription factors (C/EBPβ, C/EBPα, PPARγ) and lipogenic regulators (SREBP1c, FAS, G6PD, ME), while upregulating KLF2 (all p < 0.001). Western blotting confirmed reduced SREBP1c and SREBP2 protein expression, increased phosphorylation of AMPKα/ACC, and enhanced HSL activity (p < 0.05–0.001). In STC-1 cells, GCA-LS-90 increased GLP-1 secretion (53.5 pmol/L at 90 µg/mL vs. 41.3 pmol/L in control, p < 0.001). The major compounds, 3,5- and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acids, reproduced these effects. In conclusion, GCA-LS-90 modulated adipogenesis-, lipid-metabolism-, and GLP-1 secretion-related pathways in vitro, suggesting its potential as a functional ingredient for obesity management. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm efficacy and translational relevance.