Anti-Obesity Effect of Liposomal Suspension and Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale in a Murine Model Fed a Hypercaloric Diet

TL;DR

This study shows that a liposomal suspension made from Hibiscus and ginger extracts can reduce obesity and related health risks in mice.

Contribution

The novel use of liposomal suspension enhances the anti-obesity effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale extracts.

Findings

Liposomal suspension reduced body weight and epididymal fat in mice.

Treatment improved lipid profiles and reduced aspartate aminotransferase activity.

Liposomal suspension increased locomotor activity and energy expenditure.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Obesity is the primary risk factor for the development of chronic degenerative diseases. Multidisciplinary treatments target multiple pathologies associated with obesity. In this study, a potential adjuvant therapy was evaluated by combining extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale. These extracts were used in both a simple and liposomal suspension, the latter aimed at enhancing the activity of phenolic compounds and determining various metabolic benefits. Methods: In this research, the use of biotechnological approaches for the development of a liposomal suspension formulation with appropriate characteristics of stability, particle size, polydispersity index, concentration, and zeta potential induced an effective reduction in body weight and epididymal fat in a murine obesity model over 8 and 45 days. Results: Treatment with the liposomal suspension reduced variables in the lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase activity, and energy expenditure, while also promoting an increase in locomotor activity. Conclusions: Therefore, it is suggested that the liposomal suspension represents an alternative for obesity treatment and the reduction of cardiovascular risks.

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