Biochemical and Molecular Investigation of the Effect of Saponins and Terpenoids Derived from Leaves of _Ilex aquifolium_ on Lipid Metabolism of Obese Zucker Rats  
[PERSON]  
1 Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
[PERSON]  
2 Department of Environment, Animal Hygiene and Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chelmonkisog 38C, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
[PERSON]  
2 Department of Environmental, Animal Hygiene and Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chelmonkisog 38C, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
[PERSON]  
3 Department of Pharmacogosos and Herbal Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacogos and Herbal Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacog, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
[PERSON]  
1 Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
[PERSON]  
2 Department of Environmental, Animal Hygiene and Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chelmonkisog 38C, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
[PERSON]  
3 Department of Pharmacogosos and Her  
cynarin of _Cynara scolymus_, which are used in the treatment of liver damage; they protect the liver from toxic compounds and improve its regeneration. These compounds also exert spasmolytic and chologogic effects [1]. According to [PERSON] et al., artichoke leaf extract shows protective effects against oxidative stress in hepatocytes [2]. Lipid-regulating herbs also include those rich in saponin fractions, e.g., _Monordica charantia_, _Gymmema sylvestre_, _Gysophila allhamiana_, or _Achyranthes aspera_. Their mechanisms of action range from appetite regulation, and the inhibition of pancreatic lipase to effects on triglyceride absorption, retrosynthesis, and adipogenesis [3]. In recent years, interest in the traditional South American beverage of \"Yerba mate\", the water macerate of _Ilex parasuariensis_, has grown tremendously, which has resulted in a significant increase in research and literature on its biological properties. The active components responsible for its biological activities are: polyphenols, saponins, triterpenenoids, and finally caffeine. These have exhibited effects such as vasodilation and lipid lowering, anti-glycation, and anti-obesity effects [4]. In addition, _I. paraquariensis_ has mutagenic or antimutagenic properties, depending on the model. It affects the stimulation of the nervous system and has diuretic properties. \"Yerba mate\" was also found to protect DNA from oxidation and low-density lipoprotein lipoperoxidation in vitro [5]. The methanolic extracts of the leaves present high antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content such as chlorogenic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and saponins [6]. In 2020, [PERSON] [7] published results (obtained on a Wistar model with a high-fat and high-sugar diet) indicating that only caffeine is responsible for suppressing lipid accumulation, proven by its modulation of gene expression. Caffeine-free, supercritical CO\({}_{2}\) extracts of _I. paraquariensis_ did not affect fatty acid synthase (Fasn), pyruvate kinase or the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein. The European varieties of _Ilex aquifolium_ and _Ilex meserveae_ have not yet been as thoroughly characterized as the South American _I. parasuariensis_ for their biochemical and activities. Our previous experience indicates that, despite geographical separation, the chemical composition of the European and South American _Ilex_ varieties is similar. The _I. aquifolium_ and _I. meserveae_ cultivars are, as with _I. parasuariensis_, rich in polyphenols, saponins, and triterpenenoid fractions (with derivatives of unsolic acid, oleanolic acid, etc.). The main difference in chemotype is the complete absence of the xanthine fraction, i.e., caffeine or theobromine.