Elaeagnus latifolia (EL) is a wild fruit known for containing several health-promoting compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of EL fruit extract on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. Mice fed an HFD and given EL fruit extract for 10 weeks exhibited significantly lower body weight, reduced lipid accumulation, diminished oxidative stress in adipocytes, and decreased macrophage infiltration compared to those not receiving the EL extract. Moreover, the EL fruit extract activated the transcription factors Pparg and Cebpa, initiating adipogenesis and modulating the expression of NF-κB/Nrf-2-induced target genes. This resulted in smaller adipocyte size, reduced inflammation, and less oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice. In vitro, the EL extract induced a shift in macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2, reduced IκBα/NF-κB phosphorylation, and effectively decreased energy production in macrophages by downregulating the expression of several proteins involved in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This mechanistic study suggests that administering EL fruit extract could be an effective strategy for managing obesity and its associated pathologies.

Artocarpin is a promising bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory potential; however, its limited aqueous solubility may restrict its direct biological application. Therefore, artocarpin-loaded chitosan microparticles (CSPs/AE) were prepared as a biocompatible carrier to improve artocarpin delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the cytocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effects of CSPs/AE in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated chondrocytes. CSPs/AE maintained high cell viability (>80% at 0.125 and 0.5 mg/mL) and showed significantly lower cytotoxicity than free artocarpin. Morphological and DAPI analyses confirmed preserved cellular and nuclear integrity without marked apoptosis. CSPs/AE at 0.25 mg/mL reduced LPS-induced intracellular ROS accumulation by approximately 79% relative to the LPS group. Western blot results demonstrated inhibition of LPS-induced NF-κB phosphorylation, with CSPs/AE at 0.5 mg/mL reducing p-NF-κB expression to approximately 0.66-fold of that observed in the LPS group. CSPs/AE also partially restored aggrecan and collagen II expression without promoting a fibrocartilage, as indicated by unchanged collagen I. These findings indicate that CSPs/AE attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling while preserving cartilage matrix components, highlighting their potential for cartilage-protective applications.