The The Effect of Epigallocatechin 3-gallate on Body Weight and Abdominal Fat of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to Monosodium glutamate

Abstract: MSG can caused obesity that can affect metabolism in the body. The administration of EGCG can increase energy expenditure and metabolism. This study aimed to determine the effect of epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) on body weight and the percentage of abdominal fat of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to monosodium glutamate (MSG). Twenty-five rats were divided into five treatment groups. The C- group was given only aquadest and Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) 1%. The C+, T1, T2, and T3 groups were given MSG 120 mg/kg/BW and CMC-Na 1%, and EGCG at 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg/BW, respectively. All treatments were given orally for 28 days. The results showed that administration of MSG tends to be followed by an increase in body weight, except in group T2 where body weight was relatively stable. The administration of MSG 120 (to the C+ group) increased significantly (p<0.05) the percentage of epididymal fat and peritoneal fat. The administration of EGCG 8 (to the T2 group) significantly reduced (p<0.05) the percentage of retroperitoneal, epididymal, and peritoneal fat, compared to the group exposed to (C+ group). The percentage of retroperitoneal fat and epididymal fat was significantly lower (p<0.05), but the percentage of peritoneal fat was not significantly different (p>0.05) compared to normal mice (C-). The administration of EGCG 16 (to the T3 group) followed a significant increase (p<0.05) in retroperitoneal fat and epididymal fat, but the percentage of peritoneal fat was not significantly different (p>0.05), compared to (T2 group). It could be concluded that the administration of EGCG 8 mg/kg BW/day reduced the weight of retroperitoneal fat, epididymal fat, and peritoneal fat compared to mice given MSG alone. This research is expected to become the main reference for product processed from the substance EGCG which can reduce body weight and abdominal fat. Keywords: cardiovascular disease, epididymal, obesity, peritoneal, retroperitoneal.