AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been postulated as a molecular target in the amelioration of obesity-related diseases, where most therapeutic approaches have failed. Plant-polyphenols have shown the capacity to ameliorate obesity-induced metabolic disturbances. A combination of polyphenols (LC-HS) derived from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) and Lippia citriodora L. (LC) (lemon verbena) (Metabolaid®) was assessed for triglyceride accumulation and AMPK activation in the hypertrophied adipocyte model 3T3-L1. A dietary supplement containing 500 mg of LC-HS was evaluated in a double blind, placebo-controlled and randomized trial in 56 overweight subjects for two months. Anthropometric and circulating biochemical parameters were determined.
