Antioxidant activity and anti-adipogenic effect of ethyl acetate fraction of cumin seeds on 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation

Cumin seeds were fractionated with various solvents to evaluate their antioxidant activity and anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In vitro antioxidant assays such as DPPH, ABTS cation scavenger, FRAP, ORAC, and TPC, and 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation were performed. The results of these assays show that ethyl acetate fraction of cumin seeds (CSEA) had significantly superior antioxidant activity compared to other cumin seeds fractions. Thymol, benzyl alcohol, and 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanal were analyzed as major volatile components in CSEA. Treatment of 50 and 75 μg/mL CSEA inhibited fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes significantly (p < 0.05). When 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with CSEA at 75 μg/mL, the expressions of genes and proteins related to fat differentiation and accumulation were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Therefore, CSEA could be used as antioxidants and as a functional ingredient in anti-adipogenic formulations.