PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF BETULA UTILIS ON CAFETERIA INDUCED OBESITY IN RATS

• Author Information

  Santosh Kumar Bairwa, Rakesh Sharma, Divya Singh, Surbhi Jangir

  Department of Pharmacology, Jaipur College of Pharmacy, Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Rakesh Sharma
• PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF BETULA UTILIS

Abstract

Obesity, resulting from an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, leads to excessive fat accumulation and increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and coronary artery disease. A 10-week cafeteria diet in rats induces obesity by promoting fat deposition. Betula utilis, a medicinal plant rich in phytochemicals such as betulinic acid, exhibits numerous pharmacological effects, including anti-obesity properties. Betulinic acid and other compounds in Betula utilis inhibit enzymes like pancreatic lipase and α-amylase, crucial for fat and carbohydrate metabolism. This study aimed to assess the impact of Betula utilis extract on cafeteria diet-induced obesity in Wistar rats. The extract was administered orally in doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg from the fourth to the tenth week. Various parameters, including body weight, BMI, Lee's index, feed intake, and biochemical markers (serum cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and glucose levels), were evaluated. Results showed that Betula utilis extract significantly reduced obesity markers and improved biochemical profiles in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest dose being the most effective. The extract also reduced adipose tissue weight in different fat depots. These findings suggest that Betula utilis extract effectively mitigates obesity, providing a pharmacological basis for its potential use in treating obesity in humans. Keywords: Obesity, Betula utilis, phytochemicals, etc.