Anti-obesity activity of Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) Merr leaves extract in high fructose-induced obesity in Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is known to lead to the development of metabolic disorders and Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) Merr has shown the potential in alleviating some diseases. This study aimed to assess the anti-obesity activity of the ethanol extract of E. subumbrans leaves (EES) in obese Wistar albino rats. Methods: The rats were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 5): normal group (no obesity inducement, treated with standard feed); high fructose (60%)-induced obesity (obesity induced, no treatment); control-1 group (obesity-induced, treated with orlistat 10.8 mg/kg BW); control-2 group (obesity-induced, treated with Isprinol 45 mg/kg); control-3 group (obesity-induced, treated with metformin 45 mg/kg); three test groups (obesity-induced, treated with EES 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively). The obesity inducement was conducted for 7 weeks. The rats were observed for body weight (BW), feed residue, feces index, triglycerides, organ index, and leucocyte profile. Results: The screening for secondary metabolites in EES revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, polyphenols, and tannins. EES decreased the percentage of BW gain, appetite, organ index (spleen), total fat, triglycerides, and leucocyte profile of the rats. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of the leaves of E. subumbrans has the potential to be developed as an anti-obesity agent, although the molecular mechanism of its pathway modulation is still unknown.