Antihyperlipidemic activity of a unani formulation in high fat diet-induced obese murine model

Arq Zeera (AZ), a poly herbal unani formulation has been used traditionally as a remedy for reducing body fat and gastric disorder. The current study was designed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic activity of AZ against rat model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. AZ was prepared and administered orally 7.75 mL/kg/twice a day for 4 weeks to HFDinduced obese rat. Body weight and serum biomarkers were evaluated. Stability testing of AZ was also carried out. At the end of study, HFD significantly (p 0.001) increased body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, pancreatic lipase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to normal diet control group. AZ-treated rats significantly (p 0.001) reduced body weights, cholesterol, triglycerides, pancreatic lipase activity and MDA levels as compared to HFD control. These results suggest that AZ has an antihyperlipidemic action against HFD-induced obesity in rats, possibly through lipid lowering action, reduction of intestinal absorption of dietary fat, and increased antioxidant defense.