Anti-obesity efficacy of the selected high altitude Himalayan herbs: in vitro studies

Obesity is a serious health problem for all age groups and it also promotes Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and hypertension. Herbs are used for the weight reduction from ancient times, therefore, 12 herbs viz. Betula utilis, Bunium periscum, Angelica glauce, Saussurea lappa, Podophyllum hexandrum, Bergenia ciliate, Rumex acetosa, Aconitum heterophyllum, Centella asiatica, Andrographis paniculata, Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Bauhina variegate were selected as per literature. Rumex acetosa roots showed the highest extraction rate (39.5%), while C. asiatica leaf showed lowest extraction rate (1.25%) as compared to other herbs. As well, S. lappa leaf extract (396.52 mg GAE/g), R. acetosa root extract (181.5 mg QE/g), and B. ciliate leaf extract (79.19%) showed significantly higher Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Content and antioxidant activity, respectively. Furthermore, lipase and amylase inhibition activity and IC50 value of herb extract were higher in S. lappa root extract (75.75%, 75.41% and 62.47, 61.37, respectively). Bauhina variegate leaf extract showed a significantly higher glucose level, percentage of glucose movement (1.446 mg/dL and 63.85%) and (0.938 mg/dL and 76.55%). Based upon these experiments, 5 herbs were selected and different formulations were prepared and out of these, F3 herb formulation showed higher lipase and amylase inhibition activity (81.75% and 70.66%) and therefore, F3 herbal formulation was selected for treatment of obesity.