Anti-obesity Effects of Triphala at Biochemical and Molecular Level in High-Fat Diet-induced Obese Rats

Abstract

Background The prevalence of obesity is rising worldwide. Due to the side effects associated with modern drugs, there is a need for an alternative treatment for obesity management. Triphala (TP), a polyherbal formulation from Ayurveda, is used by Ayurvedic physicians for weight loss. Purpose This study was designed to evaluate the effects of TP on obesity at the biochemical, histological, and molecular levels. Materials and Methods Male Wistar rats (125–150 g, 6–7 weeks old) were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for total of 48 days. From day 24 to day 48, along with HFD, rats were given an aqueous extract of TP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day) or atorvastatin (1.2 mg/kg/day). Biochemical parameters were estimated in serum. Histopathology was done for the liver and adipose tissue. Levels of the genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Monoamine levels were estimated from the brain tissue. Results At the end of the study (day 48), compared to only HFD receiving group (DC), all TP-treated groups showed a significant decrease in body weight, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, and noradrenaline levels. High-density lipoprotein, adiponectin, superoxide dismutase, serotonin, and dopamine levels were found to be increased compared to DC rats. Expression of various genes involved in lipid metabolism was found to be down regulated only in TP 100 group compared with DC. Additionally, all TP groups showed a reduction in adipocyte size and restored monoamine levels. Conclusion The aqueous extract of TP had shown an anti-obesity effect as demonstrated by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress, adipocyte size, and modulation of expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism.