Unveiling The Anti-Obesity Properties Of Vitex Negundo Leaf Extract: Insights Into Pancreatic Lipase Inhibition And Metabolic Changes In Obesity

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity properties of Vitex negundo (VN) leaves using Wistar rats as an animal model. The objective was to examine the inhibitory effect of VN ethanolic extract (VN2) on pancreatic lipase activity in vitro and assess its potential impact on body weight, serum glucose levels, lipid and hepatic profiles, and adipose tissue morphology in vivo. The results demonstrated that VN2 effectively inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. In the in vivo study, rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) experienced significant increases in body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels, accompanied by a decrease in HDL cholesterol. Moreover, treatment with VN2 extract reduced fat accumulation and showed potential protective effects against liver fibrosis. These findings suggest that VN2 supplementation may possess anti-obesity properties, mitigating the adverse effects of a high-fat diet. Furthermore, VN2 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase, indicating its potential as a natural anti-obesity agent, capable of improving glucose levels and restoring disrupted metabolic hormone balance associated with obesity.