Maca modulates fat and liver energy metabolism markers insulin, IRS1, leptin, and SIRT1 in rats fed normal and high-fat diets

Abstract

Maca root extract on insulin, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1), leptin, and NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), as well as body weight changes evaluated in this study for a 60 days model of normal and high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats. 28 male rats allocated to four groups: (i) Control, (ii) Maca (40 mg/kg/day), (iii) HFD, and (iv) HFD + Maca. After the 60 days of study, fat tissue and liver insulin levels decreased in the HFD and HFD + Maca groups in comparison to Control and Maca groups (p < .001). Maca group showed a significant IRS1 increase in the fat tissue (p < .0001). Leptin levels were the highest in the Maca group and the lowest in the HFD group in the fat tissue (p < .01). SIRT1 levels were found the highest in the Maca groups (p < .01). These results show the protective and regulatory effectiveness of Maca when fed with a normal or HFD diet.

Keywords:

• Energy metabolism
• inflammation
• Maca Root
• obesity
• sirtfood

Acknowledgements

The author is thankful to Prof. Kazim Sahin (Firat University, Turkey) for his laboratory support and kind efforts during this study. The author also appreciates the Nutrition21 (Purchase, NY) company for providing Maca Powder.

Disclosure statement

The author declares no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author HG, upon reasonable request.