Brown Fat as Therapeutic Strategy for Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases Via Functional Food/Nutraceutical Approach - Molecular Mechanisms of Pentacyclic Triterpenes (BRACE)

To examine MA (Maslinic Acid) safety and efficacy in ameliorating insulin resistance and the cardinal features of metabolic syndrome. Chronic exposure to MA as a potent PPARgamma binder nutraceutical over 12 weeks will result in improvement in the features of metabolic syndrome including waist circumference, blood pressure, serum HDL-C level, fasting serum triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose. Expected secondary endpoints include favorable changes in metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, fat oxidation, body composition, weight, BAT/WAT compartments, batokines/adipokines, proinflammatory biomarkers, insulin sensitivity and beta cell function.