In Vivo Evaluation of Anti-obesity and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of <i>Anredera cordifolia</i> in Rats

Abstract

Excessive fat accumulation in obesity contributes to inflammation. Macrophages are inflammatory cells that are abundant in adipose tissue. This study aim to evaluate the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of Anredera cordifolia leaves. Powdered leaves of Anredera cordifolia were extracted with ethanol by maceration. The anti-obesity effect of the extract was assessed by measuring Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) levels and the number of adipocytes in high fat diet-induced obesity rats. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by examining the number of macrophages in adipose tissue. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control groups (K1, K2, and K3); treatment groups (P1, P2, and P3). All groups except K1, were fed with high fat diet. K2 was not treated, K3 received orlistat (positive control). The treatment groups received A. cordifolia leaf extract as follows: P1 (50 mg/kg), P2 (100 mg/kg), and P3 (150 mg/kg). Following a 4-week treatment period, the body weight, abdominal circumference, ERK levels and macrophages in the adipose tissue of the rats were measured. There was a decrease in the body weights of rats treated with A. cordifolia leaf extract at all doses. There was a substantial reduction in abdominal circumference, and a decrease in ERK levels at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses, and an increased amount of adipocytes in all the treatment groups. The extract also caused a significant decrease in the number of macrophages in adipose tissue. Therefore, A. cordifolia leaf extract has the potential to be used as anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory agent.