Mastic Resin (Pistacia lentiscus) and Probiotics Synergistically Counteract Diet-Induced Obesity via Lipid and Gut Microbiota Modulation

The primary objective was to evaluate the anti-obesity efficacy of mastic resin (Pistacia lentiscus), specifically testing its synergistic effect with Probiotics in mitigating metabolic syndrome. The robust experimental design employed a total of 30 rats, divided into six groups of five, utilizing a Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) model. The study included two control groups (Normal and HFD Positive Control) and four main intervention groups, all receiving the HFD plus treatment, administered at approximately 100 mg/kg/day (or equivalent) via oral gavage: the raw mastic extract (Group 3); the fermented extract (Group 4); the Cell-Free supernatant/postbiotic (Group 5); and the synergistic combination (Group 6), which administered both the mastic extract and a live Probiotic (1×109 CFU/day) separately. Analyses focused on key biochemical markers (atherogenic lipids, liver/renal enzymes, and MDA) and protective markers HDLc and antioxidant enzymes CAT, GSH, SOD). The intervention successfully reduced all biochemical markers and restored depleted protective markers. Lipid Peroxidation (MDA): Group 5 (Postbiotic) achieved the best outcome with the lowest final MDA level, demonstrating superior suppression of cellular damage. Atherogenic Lipids (TC, TG, LDLc) & Organ Enzymes (ALT/AST, Urea/Creatinine). The Combination (Group 6) provided the most complete normalization of elevated liver and kidney enzymes, demonstrating robust systemic protection, while the postbiotic (Group 5) provided the most effective near-normalization of the lipid profile. Antioxidant Enzymes (CAT, GSH, SOD) in Group 3 demonstrated the highest restoration of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, reversing the depletion caused by the HFD.