Biological Evaluation of Hoodia gordonii Cactus Against Obesity on Experimental Animals

The objective of the study was to determined antiobesity activity of Cactus, Hoodia gordonii on animals and to evaluate antihyperlipidemic property. The dried extract was supplied by Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry lab of pharmacy school, BIT, Meerut, UP. To test for phytochemical components, the extract was qualitatively evaluated. This study used 180-240 g albino wistar rats. Animals were in five groups. Each experimental group had 6 rats. Control group, disease-induced group, standard group, and two test groups (50 and 100 mg/kg dose, respectively). Cafeteria diet was given to rats for inducing obesity. Suppressing activity of appetite was performed to determine antiobesity activity of extract. Further, biochemical and histopathological analysis was performed for the extract on animals. Results showed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, sterols, proteins, saponins, amino acids, carbohydrates, reducing sugar, quinines, phenolic compounds, fixed oil, gums and mucilage in the extract. The appetite of animals was reduced significantly for animals on diet of extract i.e. 175 g. The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein were 78.1, 134.90, 14.90, and 26, respectively on day 50 after treated with plant extract. The blood glucose level was restored to 69 mg/dL after treatment with plant extract. Serum creatinine, blood urea and uric acid were also restored after treatment with plant extract. It can be concluded from the study that cactus extract reduced appetite, body weight growth and lipid profile abnormalities in obese rats. It can be used as an alternative drug in the treatment of obesity.