Evaluation of anti-obesity potential of aqueous extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. in high fat diet induced obese rats

Abstract

Background Obesity, reached epidemic proportions globally is often associated with life threatening comorbidities. The unavailability of safe and effective long term medications for obesity in modern pharmacotherapy forces the scientific community to explore the potential of Ayurvedic traditional healers as they are considered safe and effective. Objective To explore the anti-obesity potential of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Achyranthes aspera L. (AEAA), a traditional healer in high fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats. Methods AEAA was prepared and subjected to in-vitro pancreatic lipase inhibition assay and in-vivo anti-obesity studies. For in-vivo studies, HFD fed obese prone Wistar albino rats were divided into five experimental groups (Group II to VI): animals fed with standard pellet chow served as normal control (Group I) while, animals continued with HFD alone served as obese control (Group II); Group III, IV and V were administered AEAA at a dose of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b.w. respectively along with HFD; and animals administered orlistat (30 mg/kg bw) along with HFD served as standard control (Group VI). All the drugs were administered orally once a day for a period of 60 days. At the end of the experimental period various physical, biochemical and histopathological observations were made. Results In-vitro studies showed AEAA partially but not significantly inhibited the activity of pancreatic lipase. Data of in-vivo studies revealed, significant reduction in body weights, fat pad weights and organ weights upon AEAA treatment. Elevated levels of glucose, insulin, leptin, lipid profiles and antioxidant status were also brought back to normal. Conclusion The obtained results clearly suggested that AEAA possess pronounced anti-obesity potential.

Anti-Obesity Actions of Two Separated Aqueous Extracts From Arbutus (Arbutus unedo) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Fruits Against High-Fat Diet in Rats via Potent Antioxidant Target

“…55 Also, this decrease in body weight may partially be mediated via the inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity and via the activation of thermogenesis through the stimulation of the β-adrenergic receptors. 56…”

“…55 Also, this decrease in body weight may partially be mediated via the inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity and via the activation of thermogenesis through the stimulation of the β-adrenergic receptors. 56 Many phytochemical compounds have been reported in the AUAE, including vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins, and their derivatives are the most prevalent. [57][58][59][60][61] CMAE contains high levels of numerous valuable secondary metabolites especially flavonoid, vitamin C, glycoside, anthocyanin, saponin, tannin, and phenolic compounds.…”

Therapeutic and Pharmacological Efficacy of Achyranthes aspera Linn.: An Updated Review

“…The ethanolic seeds extract of A. aspera reduces the enhancement of body weight and retroperitoneal adipose tissue and also reduces the level of LDL, TG and TC by the delayed intestinal absorption and inhibition of pancreatic lipase and amylase activity in mice 67 . The aqueous extract showed anti-obesity activity by delaying the intestinal absorption, inhibiting the action of pancreatic lipase, enhancing the status of antioxidants particularly, flavones and by regulating the metabolism of fat 68 .…”

Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract and (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume.) Glucomannan Effects on Obese White Rat Feed Intake and Body Weight

“…It occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of energy consumed and the amount of energy expended. This imbalance leads to an excessive rise in body weight and fat mass, resulting in the accumulation of energy in the form of adipose tissue [1], [2]. Obesity increases the percentage of morbidity and mortality in humans because obesity is a factor in the emergence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, depression, breast cancer, and colon cancer [3].…”