Antihyperlipidemic activity of a unani formulation in high fat diet-induced obese murine model

Arq zeera (AZ), a poly herbal unani formulation has been used traditionally as a remedy for reducing body fat and gastric disorder. The current study was designed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic activity of AZ against rat model of high fat diet (HFD) - induced obesity. AZ was prepared and administered orally 7.75 ml/kg/twice a day for 4 weeks to HFD- induced obese rat. Body weight and serum biomarkers were evaluated. Stability testing of AZ was also carried out. At the end of study, HFD significantly (p< 0.001) increased body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, pancreatic lipase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to normal diet control group. AZ-treated rats significantly (p< 0.001) reduced body weights, cholesterol, triglycerides, pancreatic lipase activity and MDA levels as compared to HFD control. These results suggest that AZ has an antihyperlipidemic action against HFD-induced obesity in rats, possibly through lipid lowering action, reduction of intestinal absorption of dietary fat, and increased antioxidant defense.