Hibiscus sabdariffa ethanolic extract modulates adipokine levels, decreases visceral fat and improves glycemic profile in high-fat/sugar diet-induced obese rats
ISSN: 0034-6659
Article publication date: 29 May 2020
Issue publication date: 19 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa ethanolic extract (HsE) on protein levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, adiponectin and leptin in adipose tissue, as well as on the lipid and glycemic profiles of high-fat/sugar diet-induced obese (DIO) rats.
Design/methodology/approach
Obesity was induced in male Wistar rats through a high-fat/sugar diet provided for eight weeks. Control rats received a standard diet. The high-fat/sugar DIO animals were subsequently randomized into DIO (n = 8) and DIO treated with HsE (DIO + HsE, n = 8, 150 mg/kg/day) by gavage, for additional eight weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and blood samples and epididymal adipose tissue were collected for biochemical analysis and adipokine protein level evaluation, respectively.
Findings
Compared to the DIO rats, HsE treatment decreased weight gain (50.6%) and mesenteric fat (42%), indicated as diminished visceral fat (22.5%). HsE did not affect the lipid profile and TNF-α levels in adipose tissue; however, it effectively prevented a 13% increase in fasting glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. Compared with the C group, HsE normalized the adiponectin levels and leptin/adiponectin ratio and decreased the IL-6 (55%) and leptin (18.6%) levels in adipose tissue of obese rats.
Originality/value
HsE improves adipokine protein levels in high-fat/sugar DIO rats, demonstrating the clinical efficacy of HsE in the treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
We thank Morenna A. Giordiano for her technical support. We are grateful to Laboratory of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases team, in NUPADS, UFMT, Sinop, for the assistance during project development. This manuscript has been proofread and edited by Editage.
This research was supported by a grant from National Council for Scientific and Technological Development - CNPQ (process # 443027/2014-5).
Citation
Von Dentz, K.E., Silva, B.S., Queiroz, E.A.I.F., Bomfim, G.F., Nascimento, A.F., Sugizaki, M.M. and Luvizotto, R.A.M. (2021), "
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited