Physiological Effects of Fig Leaf Extract and Orlistat on Obesity, Kidney and Liver of Rats

Background and Objective: Obesity is a global health epidemic associated with various health complications. This study investigates the potential effects of ethanolic fig leaf extract and orlistat on obesity, as well as their impact on kidney and liver function in a rat model, aiming to contribute to the development of strategies for managing obesity-related health issues. Materials and Methods: Forty male albino rats with hypercholesterolemia were divided into four groups: Group one served as a control and received a normal diet, group two was a control group that was fed a high-fat diet, group three received a high-fat diet with a daily force-fed ration of 3 g kg1 b.wt., of fig leaves and group four received a high-fat diet along with daily administration of orlistat at 4 mg kg1 b.wt. Blood samples were collected from all groups at baseline and after 30 days of treatment. Results: Rats in the high-fat diet group showed a significant increase in body weight by 49%, while rats treated with fig leaf extract showed a significant decrease in body weight by 18% (p<0 .01) and treatment with orlistat resulted in 12% elevation in body weight. Renal function markers creatinine and urea were decreased in the group treated with fig leaves. Liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP decreased significantly in the group treated with fig leaves and orlistat. Albumin and globulin concentrations decreased more with fig leaf extract than with orlistat. Conclusion: Fig leaves and orlistat reduce body weight and improve kidney and liver function in hypercholesterolemic rats.