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Abstract Background Obesity is a health problem in many countries, and maintaining a perfect weight is challenging. Moringa oleifera leaf extract (ME) is rich in polyphenols with antioxidant and pharmaceutical potential. The present study investigated the potential protective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against obesity induced from a high-fat diet (HFD), oxidative stress and disruption of metabolic hormones compared to simvastatin (SIM) or their combination. Results Rats fed a HFD for 6 weeks exhibited a significant increase in body weight and levels of serum glucose and lipid fractions, verifying an obesity state. There were also higher levels of insulin and leptin and lower gherlin in sera of HFD rats compared to the levels in control rats. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and the atherogenic index were elevated, indicating the development of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia in these rats. These changes were accompanied with a significant increase in oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation with low levels of antioxidants in liver. The activities of liver function enzymes, including aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase, were also significantly increased in serum. Concurrent treatment with 300 mg/kg ME for 6 weeks ameliorated the increase in body weight and improved the levels of glucose, lipid fractions and metabolic hormones, indicating the anti-obesity effect and amelioration of tissue insulin resistance potential of ME. ME treatment also normalized oxidative stress and antioxidants in liver and improved liver function enzymes, indicating the antioxidant potential of ME. The effects of ME were similar to SIM, and the combination of these agents was better than each agent alone. Conclusion We propose that ME extract has anti-obesity and antioxidant potential and may be used as a lipid-lowering drug to control weight, obesity and its pathophysiological consequences. |
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