Differential effect of polyherbal, antiobesity preparation, OB-200G in male and female mice and monosodium glutamate-treated rats

Effect of administration of different doses (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg, twice daily, po) of a polyherbal preparation, OB-200G and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, ip) for 21 days was studied on food intake and body weight in male and female Laka mice. The study further investigated the effect of administration of 0.5 g/kg dose of OB-200G for 40 days on body weight, fat pad weights, locomotor activity and biochemical parameters in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated male and female Wistar rat pups. Administration of OB-200G produced dose dependent decrease in body weight in both male and female mice. On the other hand, fluoxetine decreased body weight only in female mice. The food intake was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in both fasted male and female mice after treatment with the lower dose (0.25 g/kg, po) of OB-200G. However, significant (P < 0.05) decrease in food intake was recorded with the administration of higher doses (0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg, po)of OB-200G and fluoxetine in fasted female mice on day 1, 7, 14 and 21. But in male mice differential effect on food intake was recorded at different doses on day 1, 7, 14 and 21. Further, OB-200G administration significantly (P < 0.05) decreased body weight and fat pad weights, increased serum glucose levels and ambulatory activity in MSG-treated female rats but not in MSG-treated male rats. The results suggest that OB-200G involves gender differences in mediating its antiobesity effect and may supplement the current armamentarium for the treatment of obesity.