Oral supplementation of njansan (Ricinodendron heudelotii Bail) and sardine fillets (Sardina pilchardus) oils alleviate high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats by regulating lipid metabolism and stress oxidative parameters

Abstract

Background Obesity has become one of the most common metabolic disorders in the world, characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the body. Research for natural compounds to improve obesity has become increasingly important. This study aims to explore the effects of Sardina pilchardus and Ricinodendron heudelotii oils on the management of obesity. Njansan (R. heudelotii) oil was extracted by cold pressing using an automatic oil press machine and sardine fish oil by a cooking method. To evaluate the anti-obesity effect of these oils, 6 groups of 6 male Wistar rats were fed different diets: C0 group received a normal diet; HFD was fed a high-fat diet; N1, N2, F1and F2 followed by a high-fat diet supplemented with njansan and sardine oils at 1g/kg body weight/day and 2g/kg body weight/day, respectively. Results It appears that regardless of the type of oil, the acid and peroxide values meet the standards prescribed by the Codex Alimentarius. There was an increase in body weight, relative abdominal fat, and liver weight in the HFD group compared to the control group. There was also a decrease in anthropometric parameters such as the Lee index of the HFD group treated with njansan and fish oils, regardless of the concentration. The hyperlipidemic state in the HFD-fed rats was then normalized after treatment with both oils as well as hyperglycemia compared to the control group. Besides, fish and njansan oils attenuated HFD-induced oxidative stress, as indicated by a significant increase CA and SOD. Conclusion This study demonstrated that njansan and sardine oils at a low daily dose (1g/kg body weight) can be helpful in managing obesity and also reduce the risk of developing coronary heart diseases.