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Ph.D.
(Pharmacy)
PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES OF MYRICA NAGI AGAINST
EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED OBESITY

Ph.D. Scholar : Yash Prashar
Research Supervisor : Dr. Nilesh J. Patel

Regi. No.: 16146021016
Abstract :
Aim: To validate the efficacy of Myrica nagi against experimentally induced obesity in
mice.
Methods: MEMN was extracted with various solvents like Hexane, Chloroform, Ethyl
acetate, and Methanol. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening to
identify different phytoconstituents. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were
estimated in extracts. Enzymatic activities on α amylase, α glucosidase, and lipase were
also done. The methanol extract was subjected to HPTLC fingerprinting and method
development. Anti-obesity activity of MEMN was studied using HFD, GTG, and
progesterone models, and changes in anthropometric measures, biochemical
parameters, and histopathological architecture were assessed.

Results: Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of tannins, amino acids,
flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides in various extracts of M. nagi. The methanolic
extract of M. nagi (MEMN) showed the highest inhibitory activity against lipase,
αamylase, and α-glucosidase. MEMN administration at various doses significantly
reduced the induced weight gain, feed intake, BMI, and Lee index along with various
biochemical parameters. The histological changes were partly prevented in animals
treated with a high dose of extract.

Discussion and Conclusion: Our study indicates that methanol extract of M. nagi aids in
decreasing absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides, thus decreasing serum levels, also
the study supports the hypothesis that a decrease in adipose tissue, improved insulin
sensitivity, better cardiac as well as hepatic function as a result of the presence of
phenolic compounds.

Key words: Dopamine; Hyperphagia; Myrica nagi extract; progesterone-induced obesity;
serotonin, High-fat diet, Gold thioglucos

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