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. 2023 Oct;30(10):103790.
doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103790. Epub 2023 Aug 23.

Obesity theranostics using nanoemulsions of probiotics and local herbs

Saman Alam  1 , Irfana Liaqat  1 , Najiya Al-Arifa  2 , Threem Zia  1 , Mohsin Munawar  1 , Ayesha Muzamil  3
Affiliations

Obesity theranostics using nanoemulsions of probiotics and local herbs

Saman Alam et al. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Obesity is a polygenic disorder which has become a global epidemic in recent years. Aim of the present study was to assess the theranostic potential of probiotics (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium) and local herbs (fenugreek seeds, aloe vera) on the body weight, biochemical (liver and kidney functions) and histology of some internal organs (liver, kidney, ovary, small intestine) in obese rats. In present study, nanoemulsions of probiotics and local herbs were formulated by high energy method and characterized by FTIR and UV analysis. One hundred and sixty (1 6 0) female wistar rats were divided into sixteen groups. A high-fat diet was given to induce obesity in them. Obese rats were treated with different doses of probiotics, local herbs and their combination. Weekly body weight was monitored. Rats were dissected after fifteen weeks; blood and organs were harvested for biochemical analysis and histology. Results demonstrated a protective effect of nanoemulsion of probiotics and local herbs on the central vein, glomerulus, villi and normal ovulatory function of obese rats. Rats treated with a combination of probiotics and local herbs (fenugreek seeds, aloe vera) exhibited improved levels of bilirubin (4 mg/dl to15 mg/dl), AST from (110 U/L to 18 U/L) and ALT from (52 U/L to 10U/L). Similar renoprotective effects were recorded on the overall renal function tests (RFT). A combination of probiotics and local herbs in post treatment rats improved urea (63 mg/dl to 22 mg/dl) and creatinine (0.2 mg/dl to 0.8 mg/dl) levels. It was therefore evident that a combination of probiotics and local herbs has the potential to reverse the effects of obesity on the biochemical parameters and histological architecture of liver, kidney, small intestine and ovary. The overall results indicated that probiotics have positive effects of their own, but when combined with local herbs, they produced highly effective results in obese rats and therefore can be used as a complementary option in obese individuals.

Keywords: High fat diet; Local herbs; Nanoemulsion; Obesity; Probiotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
FTIR of nanoemulsion of (A):Lactobacillus bulgaricus,(B):Bifidobacterium bifidum,(C): Aloe vera, (D): Fenugreek seeds, (E):Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Aloe vera, (F):Lactobacillus bulgaricus and fenugreek seeds, (G):Bifidobacterium and Aloe vera, (H):Bifidobacterium and Fenugreek seeds, (I): Combination group.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
UV of nanoemulsion of (A):Lactobacillus bulgaricus,(B):Bifidobacterium bifidum,(C): Aloe vera, (D): Fenugreek seeds, (E):Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Aloe vera, (F):Lactobacillus bulgaricus and fenugreek seeds, (G):Bifidobacterium and Aloe vera, (H):Bifidobacterium and Fenugreek seeds, (I): Combination group.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Effect of nanoemulsion of probiotics and local herbs on the level of bilirubin, AST and ALT in different treatment groups. Pro 1: lactobacillus bulgaricus, Pro 2: Bifidobacterium.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Effect of nanoemulsion of probiotics and local herbs on the level of urea and creatinine in different treatment groups.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Histological effects of high-fat diet and treatment on rat liver, kidney, small intestine and ovary. (A) control group, (B) Obese group (C) Combination of probiotics and local herbs.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Histological effects of high-fat diet and treatment on rat liver, kidney, small intestine and ovary. (A) control group, (B) Obese group (C) Combination of probiotics and local herbs.
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