Influence of Alpinia Galanga Rhizomes on Cafeteria Diet Induced Obesity in Rats

In the present work, the antiobesity effects of ethanol extract of Alpinia galanga rhizomes was evaluated in cafeteria diet fed obese rats. Obesity was induced in albino rats by feeding cafeteria diet daily for 6 weeks in addition to normal diet. The extract was administered at a daily dose of 400 mg/kg orally for 6 weeks. Body weight was measured initially and then every week thereafter. Individual food intake was measured during last 5 consecutive days. On day 42, serum glucose and lipid levels were estimated and then the weight of liver and parametrial adipose tissues was determined. The liver triglyceride content was estimated. The in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of the extract was also determined. The extract produced inhibition of increase in body weight and parametrial adipose tissue weight induced by cafeteria diet, without producing significant change in food intake. The extract significantly reduced serum lipid levels, which were elevated by feeding cafeteria diet. In addition, the extract significantly inhibited the increase in liver weight and accumulation of hepatic triglycerides. The extract also produced dose dependent inhibition of in vitro pancreatic lipase activity. We conclude that ethanol extract of Alpinia galanga rhizomes is useful for treatment of cafeteria diet induced obesity in rats.