Effect of Bergenia crassifolia L. extracts on weight gain and feeding behavior of rats with high-caloric diet-induced obesity.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior and weight gain in rats with high-calorie diet-induced obesity that are treated with Bergenia crassifolia black and fermented leaves extracts. The daily dietary intake of all treated animals was reduced to 40% compared with the control group on day 22 of the experiment. A significant improvement in glucose tolerance was noted after 7 days of treatment with the Bergenia extracts. In rats treated with an extract of black leaves for 7 days, a significant reduction in the serum triglyceride level, 45% (p<0.05), compared with the control group was observed. However, the treatment did not affect the cholesterol level. Our results provide evidence for the potential use of B. crassifolia as an appetite and energy intake suppressant.