Evaluation Of Polyherbal Formulation on High Fat Diet Induced Meatbolic Syndrome in Wistar Rat

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex cluster of interconnected metabolic abnormalities that includes central obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension. It has emerged as one of the most significant global public health challenges due to its increasing prevalence and strong association with cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and premature mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased dramatically over the past few decades as a result of rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, excessive caloric intake, and unhealthy dietary habits. The coexistence of these metabolic disturbances significantly increases the risk of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Insulin resistance and visceral obesity are considered the primary pathological mechanisms involved in the development of metabolic syndrome. Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue leads to the release of free fatty acids, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. These pathological changes contribute to impaired glucose metabolism, abnormal lipid profiles, endothelial dysfunction, and hepatic steatosis. Consequently, the management of metabolic syndrome requires therapeutic interventions capable of targeting multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously.

Current treatment strategies primarily focus on lifestyle modifications and pharmacological management of individual components of metabolic syndrome. Drugs such as statins, metformin, antihypertensive agents, and anti-obesity medications are commonly prescribed. However, long-term use of these medications is often associated with adverse effects, high treatment costs, poor patient compliance, and polypharmacy-related complications. Furthermore, no single synthetic drug effectively addresses all pathological aspects of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative therapeutic approaches that are safe, cost-effective, and capable of exerting multi-targeted pharmacological actions.

Medicinal plants have been widely utilized in traditional systems of medicine for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders. Polyherbal formulations, which combine two or more medicinal plants, have gained considerable attention due to their synergistic therapeutic effects. The combination of multiple herbs allows simultaneous modulation of different pathological pathways while minimizing toxicity and enhancing overall efficacy. Several phytoconstituents, including flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins, have demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and antihyperglycemic activities, making them promising candidates for the management of metabolic syndrome.

Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem., commonly known as Rohida or Desert Teak, belongs to the family Bignoniaceae and is widely distributed in the arid regions of India. Traditionally, the plant has been used for the treatment of liver disorders, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and various metabolic diseases. Phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of naphthoquinones, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, phenolic compounds, and triterpenoids that possess potent antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic activities. Previous studies have reported that extracts of T. undulata effectively reduce serum lipid levels, improve glucose metabolism, and protect against oxidative stress-induced tissue damage.

Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, commonly known as green tea, is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. It is rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of C. sinensis in obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disorders. Green tea polyphenols have been reported to enhance lipid metabolism, reduce body weight gain, improve insulin sensitivity, and suppress oxidative stress through multiple molecular mechanisms. Additionally, catechins modulate key metabolic signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thereby contributing to improved metabolic homeostasis.

The combination of Tecomella undulata and Camellia sinensis is expected to provide complementary pharmacological actions against metabolic syndrome. While T. undulata primarily contributes hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic effects, C. sinensis offers potent antioxidant, anti-obesity, and insulin-sensitizing activities. The synergistic interaction between these medicinal plants may result in enhanced therapeutic efficacy through simultaneous modulation of multiple pathogenic mechanisms involved in metabolic syndrome.

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats is a well-established experimental model that closely mimics the pathological features observed in humans. Prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet leads to obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and hepatic steatosis, making it an ideal model for evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of a polyherbal suspension containing hydroethanolic extracts of Tecomella undulata and Camellia sinensis against HFD-induced metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats. The study aimed to evaluate its effects on body weight, lipid profile, glucose metabolism, hepatic and renal function, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histopathological alterations. The findings of this investigation may provide scientific evidence supporting the development of a safe and effective herbal therapeutic approach for the management of metabolic syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant Materials

The stem bark of Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. and leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze were procured from authenticated herbal suppliers. The plant materials were cleaned, shade-dried, powdered, and stored in airtight containers until further use.

Chemicals and Reagents

All chemicals and reagents used in the study were of analytical grade. Ethanol, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), Tween 80, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, and other laboratory reagents were procured from authorized suppliers. Commercial diagnostic kits were used for biochemical estimations.

 

   

 

Fig No. 1: Hydro-ethanolic Extraction

 

 

Fig No. 2: Prepared High-Fat Diet

Table 11. Physicochemical Evaluation of the Polyherbal Suspension

Parameter	Observed Value	Inference
Colour	Uniform Brown	Acceptable
Odour	Characteristic, Herbal	Acceptable
Taste	Mildly Bitter-Sweet	Acceptable
Appearance	Homogeneous, No Grittiness or Caking	Acceptable
pH (25 ± 2°C)	4.52 ± 0.05	Within Target Range (4.5 ± 0.2)
Sedimentation Volume (F) at 24 h	0.92 ± 0.02	Excellent Flocculation Behaviour
Redispersibility (Number of Inversions)	5–6	Acceptable (≤ 10 Inversions)
Viscosity at 20 rpm (cP)	480 ± 18	Pseudoplastic (Thixotropic) Flow Behaviour

 

 

Fig. No. 3: Zeta Potential

 

 

Fig. No. 4: Particle Size

Table 12. Effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Body Weight of Wistar Rats

Group	Day 0 (g)	Week 8 (g)	Week 12 (g)
I – Normal Control	198.5 ± 4.2	286.4 ± 5.8	298.7 ± 6.1
II – HFD Control	196.8 ± 3.9	405.3 ± 7.6	428.6 ± 8.9
III – HFD + Orlistat (10 mg/kg)	199.2 ± 4.6	407.8 ± 7.2	338.5 ± 6.8
IV – HFD + PHF-LD (200 mg/kg)	197.6 ± 4.1	404.6 ± 7.9	372.4 ± 7.5
V – HFD + PHF-HD (400 mg/kg)	198.4 ± 4.5	406.1 ± 7.4	348.2 ± 7.1

 

 

 

Fig. No. 5: Body Weight

 

    

 

Fig. No. 6: Visceral Fat                      Fig. No. 7: Adiposity-index

 

 

Fig. No. 8: Lee index

 

      

 

Fig. No. 9: Total Cholesterol                           Fig. No. 10: Triglycerides

 

      

 

Fig. No. 11: HDL                                               Fig. No. 12: LDL

Table 15. Effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Fasting Blood Glucose Levels in HFD-Induced Wistar Rats

Group	Day 0 (mg/dL)	Week 8 (mg/dL)	Week 12 (mg/dL)
I – Normal Control	88.4 ± 2.5	91.2 ± 2.7	91.6 ± 2.8
II – HFD Control	89.6 ± 2.7	138.2 ± 4.2	143.8 ± 4.6
III – HFD + Orlistat	90.2 ± 2.8	139.4 ± 4.4	104.6 ± 3.3
IV – HFD + PHF-LD	89.8 ± 2.6	137.6 ± 4.3	125.4 ± 3.8
V – HFD + PHF-HD	90.5 ± 2.9	139.8 ± 4.5	108.4 ± 3.5

 

 

 

Fig. No. 13: Fasting Blood Glucose

Table 16. Effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in HFD-Induced Wistar Rats

Group	0 min (mg/dL)	30 min (mg/dL)	60 min (mg/dL)	120 min (mg/dL)	AUC₀–₁₂₀
I – Normal Control	88.2 ± 2.7	128.6 ± 4.2	118.4 ± 3.8	95.2 ± 3.0	12,420 ± 318
II – HFD Control	142.5 ± 4.5	232.4 ± 6.8	218.7 ± 6.2	180.6 ± 5.4	22,850 ± 538
III – HFD + Orlistat	105.2 ± 3.4	162.4 ± 5.1	148.3 ± 4.6	112.5 ± 3.7	15,250 ± 396
IV – HFD + PHF-LD	124.7 ± 3.9	195.4 ± 5.8	178.2 ± 5.3	138.4 ± 4.2	18,640 ± 462
V – HFD + PHF-HD	107.5 ± 3.5	170.2 ± 5.3	152.6 ± 4.7	118.7 ± 3.8	15,940 ± 412

 

 

Fig. No. 14: Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

Table 17. Effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Liver Function Parameters in HFD-Induced Wistar Rats

Group	AST (U/L)	ALT (U/L)	ALP (U/L)	Total Bilirubin (mg/dL)
I – Normal Control	46.2 ± 2.1	34.8 ± 1.9	142.6 ± 4.8	0.42 ± 0.04
II – HFD Control	108.4 ± 3.8	96.5 ± 3.4	248.3 ± 7.2	1.18 ± 0.08
III – HFD + Orlistat	62.6 ± 2.6	52.8 ± 2.3	168.4 ± 5.2	0.58 ± 0.05
IV – HFD + PHF-LD	82.4 ± 3.1	72.6 ± 2.8	198.5 ± 6.1	0.86 ± 0.07
V – HFD + PHF-HD	66.5 ± 2.7	56.4 ± 2.4	174.6 ± 5.4	0.62 ± 0.05

 

 

Fig. No. 15: AST                                                        Fig. No. 16: ALT

 

 

Fig. No. 17: ALP                                      Fig. No. 18: Total Bilirubin

Table 18. Effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Renal Function Parameters in HFD-Induced Wistar Rats

Group	Urea (mg/dL)	Creatinine (mg/dL)	Uric Acid (mg/dL)
I – Normal Control	30.4 ± 1.4	0.52 ± 0.04	1.46 ± 0.08
II – HFD Control	58.7 ± 2.3	0.96 ± 0.07	2.94 ± 0.14
III – HFD + Orlistat	38.6 ± 1.7	0.66 ± 0.05	1.74 ± 0.10
IV – HFD + PHF-LD	47.8 ± 1.9	0.78 ± 0.06	2.18 ± 0.12
V – HFD + PHF-HD	40.2 ± 1.8	0.68 ± 0.05	1.82 ± 0.11

 

 

 

Fig. No. 19: Urea                                                        Fig. No. 20: Creatinine

 

 

Fig. No. 21: Uric Acid

Table 19. Effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Hepatic Oxidative Stress Markers in HFD-Induced Wistar Rats

Group	MDA (nmol/mg)	GSH (µg/mg)	SOD (U/mg)	CAT (U/mg)
I – Normal Control	1.48 ± 0.09	12.62 ± 0.48	28.5 ± 1.2	58.4 ± 2.3
II – HFD Control	5.86 ± 0.24	4.85 ± 0.22	11.6 ± 0.6	21.8 ± 1.0
III – HFD + Orlistat	2.42 ± 0.12	10.46 ± 0.41	24.2 ± 1.1	48.7 ± 2.1
IV – HFD + PHF-LD	3.58 ± 0.18	8.42 ± 0.35	19.4 ± 0.9	38.6 ± 1.7
V – HFD + PHF-HD	2.64 ± 0.14	10.08 ± 0.39	23.1 ± 1.1	45.8 ± 2.0

 

 

Fig. No. 22: MDA                               Fig. No. 23: GSH

 

 

Fig. No. 24: SOD                                    Fig. No. 25: CAT

 

Table 20. Effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Relative Liver Weight in HFD-Induced Wistar Rats

Group	Relative Liver Weight (% of Body Weight)
I – Normal Control	3.04 ± 0.12ᵃᵃᵃ
II – HFD Control	4.62 ± 0.18
III – HFD + Orlistat	3.28 ± 0.13***
IV – HFD + PHF-LD	3.72 ± 0.15**
V – HFD + PHF-HD	3.34 ± 0.14***

 

 

Fig. No. 26: Liver Weight

 

 

Fig. No. 27: Normal Control                  Fig. No. 28 : HFD Control

 

 

Fig. No. 29: HFD + Orlistat                    Fig. No. 30 : HFD + PHF-LD

 

 

Fig. No. 31: HFD + PHF-HD

DISCUSSION

Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disorder characterized by the coexistence of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and organ dysfunction, all of which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the present study, chronic administration of a high-fat diet successfully induced metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats, as evidenced by significant increases in body weight, visceral adiposity, serum lipid levels, fasting blood glucose, oxidative stress markers, and hepatic and renal dysfunction. These findings confirm the suitability of the HFD-induced rat model for evaluating potential therapeutic interventions against metabolic syndrome.

The polyherbal formulation developed from hydroethanolic extracts of Tecomella undulata and Camellia sinensis demonstrated significant protective effects against multiple pathological components of metabolic syndrome. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, triterpenoids, naphthoquinones, iridoids, and other bioactive constituents. Furthermore, both extracts exhibited substantial total phenolic and flavonoid contents and demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay, indicating their potential to combat oxidative stress-related metabolic disturbances.

One of the most notable findings of the study was the significant reduction in body weight gain, visceral fat accumulation, adiposity index, and Lee index observed following treatment with the polyherbal formulation. Excess adipose tissue, particularly visceral fat, is recognized as a major contributor to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. The observed anti-obesity activity may be attributed to the ability of catechins present in Camellia sinensis to enhance thermogenesis, stimulate fatty acid oxidation, inhibit adipogenesis, and improve energy expenditure. Simultaneously, phytoconstituents present in Tecomella undulata may contribute to improved lipid utilization and metabolic regulation.

Dyslipidemia is a major component of metabolic syndrome and is characterized by elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol together with reduced HDL-cholesterol levels. The present study demonstrated that the polyherbal formulation significantly improved serum lipid profiles in HFD-fed rats. Reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol accompanied by an increase in HDL-cholesterol suggests improved lipid metabolism and reduced cardiovascular risk. These effects may result from inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, suppression of intestinal lipid absorption, stimulation of fatty acid oxidation, and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mediated metabolic pathways.

Hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance observed in the HFD control group indicate the development of insulin resistance, a central pathogenic feature of metabolic syndrome. Treatment with the polyherbal formulation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance. The enhanced glucose handling observed in treated animals may be associated with improved insulin sensitivity, increased peripheral glucose uptake, and reduced hepatic glucose production. Polyphenols and catechins are known to regulate glucose metabolism through activation of insulin signaling pathways and enhancement of GLUT-4 translocation, thereby facilitating glucose utilization.

Oxidative stress is considered a critical factor in the progression of obesity-related metabolic disorders. High-fat diet feeding resulted in increased lipid peroxidation as evidenced by elevated hepatic MDA levels and significant depletion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes including GSH, SOD, and CAT. Administration of the polyherbal formulation markedly reduced oxidative stress and restored antioxidant defense systems. These findings indicate that the formulation effectively neutralized reactive oxygen species and protected tissues from oxidative damage. The strong antioxidant activity observed may be attributed to the synergistic effects of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, catechins, triterpenoids, and naphthoquinones present in both plant extracts.

Metabolic syndrome frequently leads to hepatic steatosis and liver dysfunction due to excessive lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Significant elevations in AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, and relative liver weight observed in the HFD control group confirmed the development of hepatic injury. Treatment with the polyherbal formulation significantly normalized these parameters and reduced liver enlargement. Histopathological examination further demonstrated attenuation of fatty degeneration, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocellular damage. These findings indicate substantial hepatoprotective activity and suggest improved hepatic lipid metabolism and preservation of hepatocellular integrity.

Similarly, renal dysfunction induced by chronic metabolic stress was evidenced by elevated serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels in HFD-fed animals. Treatment with the polyherbal formulation significantly improved these renal biomarkers, indicating nephroprotective activity. Improvement in renal function may be attributed to reduced oxidative stress, improved glycemic control, and attenuation of systemic inflammation.

Among the tested doses, the higher dose of the polyherbal formulation (400 mg/kg) consistently produced greater improvements across all evaluated parameters and exhibited efficacy comparable to the standard drug Orlistat. The superior activity observed at the higher dose suggests a dose-dependent pharmacological response and highlights the therapeutic potential of the formulation.

Collectively, the findings of the present study demonstrate that the polyherbal formulation exerts a comprehensive protective effect against high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome through multiple mechanisms, including anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective actions. The synergistic interaction between Tecomella undulata and Camellia sinensis appears to be responsible for the broad-spectrum therapeutic efficacy observed. These results provide strong scientific evidence supporting the use of this polyherbal formulation as a promising multi-target herbal intervention for the management of metabolic syndrome and its associated complications.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that the polyherbal suspension containing hydroethanolic extracts of Tecomella undulata and Camellia sinensis possesses significant protective effects against high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats. Chronic administration of the high-fat diet successfully induced obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hepatic dysfunction, renal impairment, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations, closely resembling the clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome in humans.

Treatment with the polyherbal formulation produced marked improvements in body weight, visceral adiposity, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, liver function markers, renal function parameters, and oxidative stress biomarkers. The formulation significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and lipid peroxidation while enhancing HDL-cholesterol levels and endogenous antioxidant defenses. Histopathological findings further confirmed the protective effect of the formulation by demonstrating substantial restoration of normal hepatic architecture and reduction of fatty degeneration and inflammatory changes.

The observed pharmacological effects may be attributed to the synergistic action of bioactive phytoconstituents, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, catechins, and other antioxidant molecules present in both plant extracts. These compounds collectively contribute to antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-obesity activities, thereby targeting multiple pathological pathways involved in metabolic syndrome.

Among the tested doses, the higher dose (400 mg/kg) exhibited superior therapeutic efficacy and produced effects comparable to the standard drug, orlistat. The absence of toxicity in acute oral toxicity studies further supports the safety profile of the formulation.

Overall, the findings of the present investigation suggest that the polyherbal formulation of Tecomella undulata and Camellia sinensis represents a promising multi-target herbal therapeutic approach for the management of metabolic syndrome. Further studies involving detailed mechanistic investigations, chronic toxicity evaluation, and clinical trials are warranted to establish its therapeutic potential and facilitate its future development as a safe and effective herbal intervention for metabolic disorders.

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