Antiobesity effect of Phytolacca berry in rats

Extract of berries from Phytolacca americana L. plant (Phytolacca berry) is widely used in alternative systems of medicine i.e. in homeopathy for the treatment of obesity. A study was made to evaluate its anti-obesity effect in the rat model. The experiement was conducted in rats using the diet-induced obesity model in which cafeteria and atherogenic diets were used. The activity was tested by measuring body weight, glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in comparison with a control group. The results revealed that the Phytolacca berry extract had significant anti-obesity activity by reducing excess body weight, and cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. This activity may be due to its appetite suppressant activity and also by increasing the metabolic rate. Further studies are needed to be conducted to prove its utility in humans.