The saponin-rich fraction of a Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. aqueous leaf extract reduces cafeteria and high-fat diet-induced obesity

Z Naturforsch C J Biosci. 2012 Jan-Feb;67(1-2):39-46. doi: 10.1515/znc-2012-1-206.

Abstract

We examined the antiobesity effect of a saponin-rich fraction of a Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. aqueous leaf extract (SGE) using cafeteria and high-fat diet-induced obese rats for a period of eight weeks. SGE was orally administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight once a day to the treatment group. It significantly decreased the body weight, food consumption, visceral organs weight, and the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins, atherogenic index, glucose, and increased the levels of high-density lipoproteins. There was no significant difference with respect to all parameters of the study in case of normal (N) diet and N diet + SGE rats. In vitro, SGE inhibited the pancreatic lipase activity. The present study gave clear evidence that the SGE has a significant antiobese action, supporting its use in traditional medicine, and can be used as a substitute for synthetic drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Feeding Behavior / drug effects
  • Gymnema sylvestre / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Saponins / isolation & purification
  • Saponins / pharmacology
  • Saponins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Plant Extracts
  • Saponins