Pathophysiological modulations by Trimad, a polyherbal formulation, in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is the most prevalent metabolic disorder globally, characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation that play a key role in its pathogenesis. Current anti-obesity drugs have adverse effects and fail to address oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, there is a growing need for safe and effective therapies. Ayurveda recommends Trimad for obesity management. Trimad is a polyherbal formulation consisting of Cyperus rotundus tubers (Musta), Embelia ribes fruits (Vidang), and Plumbago zeylanica roots (Chitraka) in an equal 1:1:1 ratio. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of Trimad on ameliorating pathophysiological changes in a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 6; IAEC approval no. BVDUMC/3293/2016/007/002). Group 1 served as the Normal control (normal chow diet), Group 2 as Disease control (HFD), Group 3 as Positive control (HFD + Atorvastatin, 1.2 mg/kg), and Groups 4-6 received HFD with Trimad extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively for 48 days with treatment starting from day 24. Body weight, feed intake, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, adipocyte morphology, brain monoamines and hepatic lipid-metabolizing gene expression were evaluated. RESULTS: HFD caused lipid abnormalities, inflammation, oxidative stress, hepatic steatosis, and weight gain. Trimad significantly reduced weight gain, improved lipid metabolism by modulating hepatic lipid-metabolizing genes, and normalized biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, adipokines, and adipocyte hypertrophy. There was normalization of brain monoamines in Trimad treated groups. CONCLUSION: Trimad effectively ameliorated HFD-induced obesity and demonstrated strong anti-obesity potential.