Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of a Polyherbal Formulation in Progesterone-induced Obesity: Insights from Preclinical Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic disorders have grown more common, with obesity representing a significant chronic illness that leads to various severe health complications. The Obesity Atlas 2022 predicts one billion obese people by 2030. Contributors to obesity encompass heightened oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, hunger enhancement, fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and diminished caloric expenditure. Numerous synthetic interventions for obesity are accessible today ; nonetheless, they frequently entail detrimental side effects. This research aimed to investigate the formulation of a prospective anti-obesity drug derived from plant origins. METHODS: The anti-obesity effectiveness of a polyherbal formulation, derived from the ethanolic extract of both Hugonia mystax and Blumea lacera in a 1:1 ratio, was assessed in female mice with progesterone-induced obesity. RESULTS: The preliminary phytochemical screening of the formulation specifies the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins. In accordance to OECD recommendations, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were designated after performing acute oral toxicity assessment as a low dose and high dose. During the study, body weight, BMI, abdomen circumference, glucose levels, lipid profile, SGOT, SGPT, atherogenic index, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated in all groups. The treatment markedly corrected the abnormal levels of these parameters and dramatically restored GSH levels. DISCUSSION: Metabolic disorders, especially obesity, are increasing globally. Synthetic therapies have negative consequences; therefore, exploration of plant substitutes is encouraged A polyherbal extract of Hugonia mystax and Blumea lacera has shown significant anti-obesity properties in mice. It restored biochemical parameters, likely due to phytochemicals such as polyphenols. Histological examination validated its therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSION: The formulation's efficacy in addressing obesity is likely attributable to the presence of polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids. Histopathological examination of hepatic and adipose tissues further corroborated the anti-obesity efficacy of the polyherbal formulation. Future research will focus on isolating and identifying the active chemicals in both plants to better understand their composition.