The Potential Efficacy of Artemisia Anuua L. Extract Nanoparticles in Mitigating Obesity-Related-Metabolic Complications in Hypercaloric Diet-Fed Rats

Abstract

Obesity-related health problems are getting worse in various societies worldwide. Artemisia anuua L. (AA) has distinctive health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing properties; however, its major constituents' limitedsolubility and bioavailability constrain its absorption. This study aimed to use a sonochemical technique to nano-formulate the AA ethanolic extract (AAE) to produce AAE nanoparticles (AAEN) and to compare their efficacy in modulating obesity-related complications in hypercaloric (high-fat /high-sucrose, HF/HS) diet-induced obese rats. Forty-eight Sprague Dawley adult rats were divided into two main groups and fed a basal or hypercaloric diet for twelve weeks. Starting from the eighth week, each main group was subdivided into three subgroups and treated orally with either saline, AAE, or AAEN till the end of the experiment (12 weeks). AAE and AAEN exerted antiadipogenic effects. They reduced body weight and epididymal fat, mitigated dyslipidemia, improved glucose utilization, reduced insulin resistance and hyperleptinemia, increased serum adiponectin, and decreased oxidative stress andinflammatory markers. These results were mediated by controlling the expression of critical genes contributing to lipids and carbohydrate metabolism.AAEN produced more expressive ameliorating effects than the conventional extract. In conclusion, nanoformulation of Artemisia annua L. extract boosted its antiadipogenic efficacy.