Evaluation of the Combined Effect of Turmeric (<i>Curcuma domestica</i>) Rhizome and Pegagan (<i>Centella asiatica) Leaf Ethanol Extracts in the Prevention of Endothelial Dysfunction in Obese Rat Model

Obesity is recognized as a significant global health issue, and has been declared a global epidemic by the WHO. This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined turmeric rhizome and pegagan leaf extracts on endothelial dysfunction in obese rats, as well as to determine the effective dose of the combined extracts that would significantly influence this condition. Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: Normal control, induction, orlistat, curcumin, turmeric, pegagan, turmeric/pegagan (100/200 mg/kg), and turmeric/pegagan (200/100 mg/kg) groups. Animals in all the groups except the normal control group were fed with a high-fat and carbohydrate diet for 60 days to induce obesity. The rats were thereafter treated with the extracts and standards according to their respective groups for 60 days. The anti-obesity effect of the treatments was assessed by measuring body weight, fat index, and organ weight index. The ability of the treatments to prevent obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction was assessed by measuring heart rate, pulse wave velocity, and nitric oxide levels in the rats after 60 days of treatment. Results showed that high-fat and high-carbohydrates diet effectively induced obesity in rats. The administration of curcumin, turmeric rhizome and pegagan leaf extracts, and the combined extract of turmeric rhizome and pegagan leaf demonstrated anti-obesity effect, and a positive effect on endothelial dysfunction. The most effective dose of the combined extract was 200 mg/kg turmeric extract and 100 mg/kg pegagan extract. These findings revealed the potential therapeutic effect of turmeric and pegagan in the management of obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction.