Natural options to consider to fight obesity

There is an increasing number of people suffering from obesity, which is a major cause of disability and mortality. It is important to find effective treatments that are also safe for the patient, unlike conventional medications. A group of researchers from Iran found that extracts from tea plant (Camellia sinensis), dog rose (Rosa canina), marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), and broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) have potential use as treatments for obesity. These findings, which were published in the European Journal of Medicinal Plants, were determined through an in vivo study involving rats.

• Lifestyle plays an important role in the development of obesity. People who eat a lot of fast food and have low physical activity are more likely to develop this condition.
• Patients with obesity have a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Moreover, their mental health is also greatly affected.
• Conventional treatments for this condition include orlistat, which works by preventing enzymes involved in fat absorption. This drug is associated with side effects like high blood pressure, headache, dry mouth, sleeping problems, and constipation.
• The tea plant, dog rose, marshmallow, and broadleaf plantain contain biologically active compounds that regulate blood sugar and lipid levels.
• In this study, the researchers determined the effects of extracts from the four plants on male Wistar rats that were given a high-fat diet.
• The parameters that the authors used for this study include lipid profile, liver enzymes, thyroid hormones, weight gain, and appetite.

The results of the study show that extracts from the four plants significantly reduced the damage caused by the high-fat diet. This was determined based on reduced lipid levels and enzyme production. Moreover, the extracts did not cause harm to the thyroid and kidneys. These results prove that tea plant, dog rose, marshmallow, and broadleaf plantain can be used as natural remedies for obesity.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

For more articles about remedies for obesity, visit Health.news

Journal Reference:

Ramezani M, Changizi-Ashtiyani S, Sadeghzadeh F, Hosseini S-S, Zarei A, Hosseini N. EFFECT OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS ON OBESITY. European Journal of Medicinal Plants. 19 June 2018;24(1). DOI:10.9734/ejmp/2018/41111