Evaluation of Weight-Reducing Effects of a Herbal Extract Mixture in Obese Mice

Abstract

This study evaluated the weight-reducing and lipid disorder–improving effects of a combined extract of Nelumbo nucifera leaf, Curcuma longa rhizome, and Coptis chinensis rhizome in an obese mouse model. Obesity was induced using a high-fat diet combined with olanzapine, followed by treatment with the extract mixture at doses of 2.4 g/kg and 7.2 g/kg, with comparisons to a model group and a metformin group. After 8 weeks, body weight, BMI, serum lipid parameters, transaminase activity, atherogenic index, and obesity indices were evaluated. The results showed that the extract mixture reduced weight gain and BMI. Triglyceride levels were markedly reduced in both low- and high-dose groups compared with the model group. The atherogenic index in treated groups was comparable to that of the control group (0.29 ± 0.03) and significantly lower than that of the model group (0.70 ± 0.02). Visceral fat mass and obesity indices were significantly decreased. HDL-cholesterol was improved but remained lower than that in the metformin group, while total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol showed no significant changes. Serum ALT levels decreased to values comparable to the control group, suggesting a protective effect on liver function. This study provides the first in vivo evidence of the extract mixture’s effects on lipid metabolism, particularly triglycerides and visceral fat.