Phytochemical Analysis and Anti Obesity Activity of Herbal Extracts

Abstract

Obesity is one of significant life style disorders which may lead to disagreeable effects on cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and insulin resistance and ultimately increases the risk of various adverse conditions like stroke, ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease & Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is one of the most prevalent health concerns among all age groups and populations worldwide, resulting in a significant increase in mortality and morbidity related to metabolic disorders. The present investigation was undertaken to explore anti-obesity activity of methanolic extracts of aerial parts of Fagonia cretica L. & seeds of Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. along with their phytochemical analysis. Both the plant samples were procured and evaluated according to Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The qualitative phytochemical studies of prepared extract and fractions showed presence of flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, alkaloids, and carbohydrates. Cafeteria diet (CD) induced obesity model was used to evaluate anti-obesity activity. Improvement in various metabolic indicators like daily food consumption, body weight, lipid profile, fecal fat content & fat pads was seen after treatment with methanolic extracts of both plant materials. In vivo anti lipolytic action of methanolic extracts of both plant materials were studied by using lipid emulsion as tracer substance. At 3 and 4 h after administration of lipid emulsion, the plasma triglyceride concentrations were significantly lowered in group administered higher doses of methanolic extracts of both plant materials. Targeting one or more enzymes involved in lipid metabolism can be selective for evaluation of anti-obesity action of drug. The n-butanol fraction of methanolic extracts of Fagonia cretica L. & n- hexane fraction of methanolic extracts of Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. showed highest pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. The ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extracts of Fagonia cretica L. & chloroform fraction of methanolic extracts of Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. showed highest αamylase inhibitory activity. In vitro inhibitory activity of methanolic extracts of both plant materials were studied on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. Both plant extracts showed reduced adipogenesis, lipid accumulation and increased free glycerol release in cell culture. HPTLC studies of methanolic extracts of both plant material was carried out to quantify oleanolic acid & lupeol. FTIR studies & GC MS analysis of n butanol fraction of methanolic n-extracts of Fagonia cretica L. & n- hexane fraction of methanolic extracts of Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. were carried out to identify functional groups & active phytoconstituents present in both fraction. Extensive literature review was carried out to search any known anti-obesity phytoconstituents from identified compounds. Few known anti-obesity flavonoid & triterpenoid saponins were identified from both fractions. Obtained results validate that methanolic extracts of aerial part of Fagonia cretica L. & Wrightia tinctoria seeds possessed anti-obesity activity, which was further confirmed by identifying known anti-obesity saponins & flavonoids by their phytochemical analysis.