Investigating the Hypolipidemic and Anti-obesity effects of Bauhina purpurea L. in Rats
Hemant Mudgal1*, M.K. Gupta1 and Ritu Sharma1
1School of Pharmacy, Career Point University, Kota - 324005 (India) Corresponding Author: 1*Hemant Mudgal, PG Scholar, School of Pharmacy, Career Point University, Kota - 324005, Rajasthan, India.
ABSTRACT
Obesity and hyperlipidemia are major contributors to global health burdens, often associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. This study investigates the anti-obesity and hypolipidemic potential of Bauhinia purpurea L. leaf extract in high-fat diet-induced obese Wistar rats. The extract was prepared using 70% ethanol and administered at two dosage levels. Experimental outcomes were compared across normal controls, obese controls, standard drug (Orlistat), and treatment groups. Key parameters evaluated included body weight, food intake, lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL, HDL), liver enzymes (ALT, AST), fasting glucose, and adiposity index. Results demonstrated that B. purpurea extract significantly reduced body weight, visceral fat, serum lipids, and liver enzyme levels while improving HDL and glucose regulation in a dose-dependent manner. The high-dose extract produced effects comparable to Orlistat without toxicity, indicating its efficacy and safety. These findings support the potential use of Bauhinia purpurea as a natural therapeutic agent for managing obesity and dyslipidemia.