Evaluation of Anti-Obesity Potential of Isolated Bioactive Fractions From Justicia Adhatoda Leaves: An In Vitro, In Vivo, and 3T3-L1 Cell Line Approach Using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography Coupled With Mass Spectrometry for Compound Identification

This study was conducted to investigate the anti-obesity effects of bioactive fractions JAF2 and JAF3 from Justicia adhatoda (JA) in vitro using enzymatic assays, 3T3-L1 cells, and in vivo using a monosodium glutamate-high-fat diet (MSG-HFD) model. High-performance thin-layer chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPTLC-MS-MSn) was finally utilized to analyze bioactive fractions for the compounds responsible for the activity. In vitro, the anti-obesity effects of JAF2 and JAF3 were assessed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, revealing that JAF2 significantly reduced lipid and triglyceride levels. In the in vivo MSG-HFD-induced obesity model, JAF2 improved hepatic profiles, countered oxidative stress, enhanced lipid profiles, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the assessment revealed a significant reduction in adipose tissue content in the treated groups, keeping other organ profiles safe. As per future perspectives, these cocktail fractions can be used in the context of genetically predisposed obesity in modern days.