Psoraleae semen extract inhibits angiogenesis and adipogenesis

Ethanol extracts of Psoraleae semen (PSE) are used in Korean folk medicine for tuberculostasis, nycturia, sarcoma, inflammation, and cancer. We investigated the utility of P. semen extract for the suppression of angiogenesis and adipogenesis. Eighteen natural products were screened using anti-angiogenesis experiments, and one candidate product was identified. Psoraleae semen provided dosedependent inhibition of angiogenesis, adipogenesis, and cell adhesion in vitro and weight loss in mice in vivo. The anti-angiogenenic efficacy of PSE was superior to that of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) obtained from green tea leaves. The expression of angiogenesis and adipogenesisrelated signal molecules was reduced by increasing the doses of PSE. A diet supplemented with PSE provided more effective weight loss in LB mice than did orlistat, a representative synthetic diet drug, which also caused hairloss in LB mice. P. semen may be a useful antiadipogenic compound if these in vitro results are replicated under in vivo conditions.