JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND
BIOMEDICINE
ISSN.2456-8244
Obesity is a global epidemic associated with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced life expectancy. Current pharmacological therapies are limited by adverse effects, prompting interest in plant-based alternatives. The objective was to evaluate the anorectic effect of methanolic corm extract of Colocasia esculenta in Swiss albino mice. Corms were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with methanol. Phytochemical screening and total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu assay) were determined. Acute toxicity was assessed at 2000 mg/kg. Female Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups: vehicle, extract (0.1 and 0.2 g/kg), fluoxetine, 8-OH-DPAT, and 8-OH-DPAT + extract. Food intake was measured at 0.5–4 h post-treatment. The extract yield was 16.21% w/w. Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids. Total phenolic content was 182.93 mg GAE/g. No mortality was observed in toxicity studies. The extract reduced food intake dose-dependently (2.57 g at 0.1 g/kg; 2.12 g at 0.2 g/kg vs. 3.17 g in controls, p<0.05). Fluoxetine produced maximal suppression (1.29 g), while 8-OH-DPAT induced hyperphagia (3.74 g). Co-administration attenuated hyperphagia (3.05 g). The study led the authors to conclude that the methanolic corm extract of C. esculenta exhibits safe, dose-dependent anorectic activity, likely mediated via serotonergic pathways, supporting its potential as a natural anti-obesity agent.
NAMES:
ONLINE ISSN:24568244
Keywords: Obesity, anorexia, Colocasia esculenta, extract, Serotonergic
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