Solanum macrocarpon (African eggplant) and Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) fruits prevent weight gain and improve lipid profile in high-fat diet-fed Wistar rats

Background: Natural products or functional supplements from edible plants have served as an attractive strategy for weight loss. Solanum macrocarpon L. (Solanaceae) and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench have been used in indigenous medicine for weight reduction and to treat several diseased conditions. This study evaluates the potential of S. macrocarpon and A. esculentusin weight reduction and lipid metabolism as well as revealing their phytochemical profile. Methods: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups of six rats each. Group 1 rats were fed with a 100% standard rodent diet (StD) throughout the experimental period. Rats in groups 2 to 6 were fed with a high-fat diet (HF-StD) for 4 weeks to induce obesity. Following obesity induction, the HF￾StD was removed and obese rats in group 2 were given StD; groups 3 and 4 rats were fed with StD supplemented with 10% and 20% S. macrocarpon (SM) and groups 5 and 6 rats were fed with StD supplemented with 10% and 20% A. esculentus (AE) for a period of 8 weeks. Food uptake by the rats and their body and liver weights were monitored. Blood samples of rats were collected for serum lipid profile analysis. Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) was employed for phytochemical profiling of the plant samples. Results: The supplementation of diet with S. macrocarpon and A. esculentus affected food intake, prevented body and liver weight gain and lowered plasma total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglycerides (TG) levels of the rats. Phenolic acid derivatives and long-chain fatty acids were detected in the plant samples. Conclusion: S. macrocarpon and A. esculentus show potential for body weight reduction and regulation of lipid metabolism and warrant further research.