Guwahati: Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, have uncovered the anti-obesity potential of Melye-amiley, a traditional fermented bamboo shoot variety from Tripura, India. The study highlights its ability to reduce fat accumulation and promote fat browning in white adipose cells, presenting a novel dietary approach to combat obesity.
Published in the journal Food Frontiers, the research explores how the water extract of Melye-amiley triggers cellular changes that encourage fat breakdown and energy expenditure. By activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, the extract promotes the conversion of white fat into brown-like fat, which is known to burn energy rather than store it.
A Tradition Meets Modern Science
Melye-amiley is one of five fermented bamboo shoot varieties studied, alongside Soibum, Soijin, Soidon, and Gajtenga, originating from the northeastern Indian states of Tripura, Manipur, and Assam. The traditional preparation process, passed down through generations, involves natural fermentation driven primarily by lactic acid bacteria. The resulting product is not only a culinary staple but also a source of functional food with significant health potential.
“Fermented bamboo shoots are rich in beneficial bioactive compounds, and we wanted to see if they had any role in managing metabolic disorders like obesity,” a researcher associated with the study explained. “Melye-amiley stood out for its ability to reduce triglyceride accumulation and increase the presence of genes linked to fat browning and thermogenesis,” the researcher added.
How It Works: The AMPK Pathway
The study used differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells, a widely accepted model for studying fat cell behavior. When exposed to the water extract of Melye-amiley, the cells showed a significant reduction in intracellular lipid accumulation. Key genes linked to fat metabolism, including uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1), PRDM16, and PGC1-alpha, were upregulated. These genes are crucial for the “browning” of white fat — a process where fat cells are converted into a more metabolically active form.
The AMPK pathway, a well-known regulator of energy metabolism, was activated during this process. Phosphorylated AMPK (pAMPK) levels increased, accompanied by the activation of SIRT1, a protein that supports cellular energy balance and stress responses. This activation cascade led to heightened mitochondrial activity and increased energy expenditure in fat cells.
Natural Compounds Drive Change
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of the bamboo shoot extract revealed the presence of several bioactive metabolites, including eicosane, benzenesulfonamide, and valeramide. These compounds are believed to play a role in the extract’s anti-obesity effects, but further studies are required to pinpoint the exact molecules responsible for activating the AMPK pathway.
The researchers emphasized that unlike previous studies, which attributed the health benefits of bamboo shoots to fiber content, this study focuses on water-soluble bioactive compounds. Since fiber is insoluble in water, it was ruled out as a potential driver of the observed effects.
Traditional Wisdom Backed by Science
The findings reinforce the health benefits of fermented foods, a staple of traditional diets across Northeast India. “Fermented bamboo shoots have long been part of the diet in northeastern India, but their health potential is often underappreciated,” said Dr. Mojibur R. Khan, one of the study’s senior researchers.
“This study highlights the role of local, traditionally prepared foods as not just sustenance but as possible therapeutics,” Dr. Khan added. “With rising obesity rates worldwide, there is a growing interest in natural dietary interventions that can support weight management.”
A Step Toward Anti-Obesity Therapeutics
The implications of this study extend beyond dietary health. Given the growing demand for natural weight-loss supplements, the findings open the door for further research and possible commercial development of Melye-amiley-based nutraceuticals. However, the researchers caution that the study was conducted in vitro, meaning the effects need to be validated in animal and human trials.
The Road Ahead
The study was funded under the ST/SC Community Development Program at IASST, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The researchers now aim to conduct further studies to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects. They also plan to assess Melye-amiley’s impact on obesity in animal models.
With obesity classified as a global health crisis, interest in natural remedies continues to rise. As traditional foods like Melye-amiley gain scientific recognition, they may one day contribute to a new era of health-conscious, functional food products.
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