ANTI-OBESITY EFFECTS OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF MOMORDICA FOETIDA (CUCURBITACEAE) IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the methanol extract of M. foetida (MEMf) on high fat diet-induced obese male rats. Results: HFD induced an increase (P<0.05) in the body and liver weights and the relative abdominal fat pad of the animals in the experimental groups as compared to those in the normal diet group. Also, HFD in the experimental groups reduced (P<0.05) superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, glutathione levels and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart and kidney as well as altered lipid profile (increased serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-C), decreased high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), increased atherogenic index and coronary risk index), when compared to the normal diet animals. All altered parameters were subsequently normalized when obese rats received either MEMf (50 or100 mg/kg) or the reference drug Atorvastatin. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of MEMf to normalize hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and animal visceral organ weights increased by HFD in rats. Thus, M. foetida is an interesting medicinal plant that could be exploited as sources of anti-obesity agents.