Regulation of Obesity and Lipid Disorders by Foeniculum vulgare Extracts and Plantago ovata in High-fat Diet-induced Obese Rats

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat is accumulated to an extent that health may be negatively affected and in spite of the number of studies to prevent or treat obesity, its prevalence continues to rise in developed as well as in developing countries. It has become one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The current study was undertaken to evaluate efficacy of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) methanolic, aqueous and oil extracts and Plantago ovata (Plantago) seeds-supplemented diet in management of obesity in high fat diet-fed rats. Adult female sprague Dawley rats were classified into six groups. The first group was kept on standard rodent chow for 24 weeks (lean control). The other groups received high fat diet for 24 weeks. These animals were assigned as obese control group, fennel methanolic extract-treated group, fennel aqueous extract-treated group, fennel oil extract-treated group and Plantago seeds-treated group. The results revealed significant increase in thoracic (TC) and abdominal (AC) circumferences and Body Mass Index (BMI) in obese rats. Dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and hyperleptinemia have been demonstrated in obese rats. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level significantly increased in obese rats compared with control rats. Treatment with fennel extracts or Plantago seeds reduced food intake and BMI as well as ameliorated the dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in obese rats. Serum leptin level showed significant improvement in obese rats due to treatment with fennel methanolic (p<0.01), aqueous (p<0.05) and oil (p<0.05) extracts or Plantago seeds (p<0.05). Significant inhibition (p<0.01) in serum MDA level was detected as a consequence of treatment with either fennel extracts or Plantago seeds in obese rats. In conclusion, the data of the current study confirms the anti-obesity effect of fennel extracts, particularly, methanolic extract and Plantago seeds supplemented diet. Thus, present findings reinforce the advice recommending consumption of natural products and/or diets with a high fiber content to modulate obesity and its metabolic complications.