Analyzing the Combined Anti-adipogenic Effects of Ginger and Turmeric on 3T3-L1 Cells

Abstract

Obesity, characterized by excessive adipose tissue, is linked to adverse health effects. Ginger, containing compounds like gingerol, shogaols, and zingerone, exhibits anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hepatic steatosis, and antioxidant properties. Turmeric has potential as an anti-adipogenic agent by suppressing key regulators of adipogenesis. This study analyzed the anti-adipogenic effects of a ginger and turmeric combination on lipid suppression in 3T3-L1 cells using the WST-8 Assay and Oil Red O Staining. The results indicated that turmeric was more effective than ginger in suppressing adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Both the highest and lowest concentrations of turmeric (20 and 0.019 μg/mL) significantly decreased lipid accumulation compared to the control. In contrast, a low concentration of ginger (0.156 μg/mL) significantly increased lipid accumulation. The use of crude ginger extract, containing all bioactive compounds, potentially increased the expression of PPAR-gamma, a master regulator in adipogenesis. Conversely, the combination of ginger and turmeric significantly decreased lipid accumulation at low concentrations (0.312 μg/mL turmeric and 0.625 μg/mL ginger). However, higher concentrations of the combination increased lipid accumulation, though not significantly different from the control. This relationship showed a synergistic effect, with lower concentrations reducing lipid accumulation and higher concentrations increasing it. It can be concluded that the combination for ginger and turmeric in low concentrations were able to synergistically lower the lipid accumulation.