Abstract
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel is a calcium
permeable, non-selective cation channel, expressed in the sensory
neurons and non-neuronal cells of different tissues. Initially studied
for its role in pain and inflammation, TRPA1 has now functionally
involved in multiple other physiological functions. TRPA1 channel has
been extensively studied for modulation by pungent compounds present in
the spices and herbs. In the last decade, the role of TRPA1 agonism in
body weight reduction, secretion of hunger and satiety hormones, insulin
secretion and thermogenesis, has unveiled the potential of the TRPA1
channel to be used as a preventive target to tackle obesity and
associated comorbidities including insulin resistance in type 2
diabetes. In this review, we summarized the recent findings of TRPA1
based dietary/non-dietary modulation for its role in obesity prevention
and therapeutics.