Estimation of Anti-Obesity Potential of Tribulus terrestris in Wistar Rats (High Fat Diet Inducted Obesity)

Abstract

Background: An annual yellow colour flower bearing shrub Tribulus Terrestris (TT) (family-zygophyllaceae), a distinguished traditional shrub which was extensively involved in Ayurvedic and Chinese folklore medicinal therapy for various ailments. At present various in-vivo findings have suggested its beneficial role as anti-urolithic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant effects. Objective: Thus, the main aim of our study was to explore the role of Tribulus Terrestris in high fat diet fed obese rats. Methodology: Male Wistar rats (170-200 gm) were employed in the present study. To induce obesity high fat diet (30%) was administered for 90 days. To check the successful induction of obesity different anthropometric parameters, adiponectin, ghrelin and leptin levels were assessed and further correlated with glycemic, lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. Results: Significant impairment in anthropometric parameters, attenuation of ghrelin and adiponectin levels, and enhancement of leptin levels, impairment of glycemic and lipid profile and decreased antioxidant activity were observed in high fat diet rats. Treatment with Tribulus Terrestris showed dose dependent modulation of all the parameters. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that Tribulus terrestris may proves to be a beneficial therapeutic strategy in obesity