Estudo da atividade antiobesidade do extrato metanólico de Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC.

Abstract

Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC traditionally known as "carqueja" is used in traditional medicine for various purposes such as liver problems, digestive and weight reduction. In-vitro the methanolic extract of carqueja have been proved to possess pancreatic lipase (an enzyme with role in weight management) inhibitory activity. The aim of the present study was to assess the methanol extract of carqueja (MEC) on rats with obesity induced by high fat diet and evaluate its potential application as a treatment for obesity. Were used male Wistar rats. Obesity was induced by high fat diet and the extract was administered by gavage for 35 days and serum was assayed for the measurement of different physiological and biochemical parameters. The (MEC) rich in bioactive phytochemicals suppressed the increase of body weight and cholesterol level (P<0.01) thus suggesting that MEC might be useful as a treatment to limit dietary fat absorption and the accumulation of fat in adipose tissues. These results raise prospects for further studies to determine the dose and investigation of other parameters.