Anti-obesity effects of the methanol extract of momordica foetida(cucurbitaceae) in male wistar rats
- Vol.13(6)
- M P Innovare Academic Sciences Pvt Ltd 2021
- 31-35p.
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the methanol extract of M. foetida (MEMf) on high fat diet-induced obese male rats. Methods: Four groups (experimental groups) of 6 male Wistar rats each were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 w and then treated with either distilled water (control group), MEMf (50 or 100 mg/kg) or the reference compound Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) for 27days. The body weight was recorded every two daysResults: HFD induced an increase (P<0.05) in the body and liver weights and the relative abdominal fat pad of the animals in the experimental groups as compared to those in the normal diet group. Also, HFD in the experimental groups reduced (P<0.05) superoxide dismutase and catalaseactivities, glutathione levels and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart and kidney as well as altered lipid profile (increased serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-C), decreased high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), increased atherogenic index and coronary risk index), when compared to the normal diet animals. All altered parameters were subsequently normalized when obese rats received either MEMf (50 or100 mg/kg) or the reference drug . A fifth group made up of rats (normal diet group) not subjected to a HFD was used as a negative control for the HFD obese rats. The Lee index, lipid profile and antioxidant parameters were assessed using animal body weight and biochemical methods, respectively.Conclusion:This study demonstrates the potential of MEMf to normalize hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and animal visceral organ weightsincreased by HFD in rats. Thus, M. foetidais an interesting medicinal plant that could be exploited as sources of anti-obesity agents.