Identification of novel potent pancreatic lipase inhibitors from Ficus racemosa

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Obesity is a disorder of lipid metabolism and continues to be a global problem, ranking fifth for deaths worldwide. It is considered to be main reason for a number of physiological changes that resulting in many metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and various cancer types. Obesity develops from long-termed physiological imbalances in energy expenditure.. One of the therapeutic strategies in managing obesity is inhibition of pancreatic lipase, a key enzyme responsible for the digestion of fats and triglycerides.  The aim of the present study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) from Ficus racemosa fruit extract and to analyze its activity on pancreatic lipase enzyme using spectroscopic, in vitro and in silico methods. Materials and Methods: The phytoconstituent were separated in Ficus racemosa fruit extract by thin layer chromatography technique. The bioactive compound was also identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Pancreatic lipase inhibition assay was performed in vitro and confirmed by molecular docking analysis.  Results: The F. racemosa fruit showed the highest pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking studies also exhibited good binding affinity of compounds (Diethyl Phthalate) with pancreatic lipase enzymes.  Conclusion: Finally, it is concluded that further derivation of such compounds could serve as the new templates for obesity.