Protective Effects of Traditional Herbal Teas Against Obesity-Induced Hepatic and Hormonal Alterations in Rats

Background: Obesity, particularly when induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), is associated with metabolic disturbances and dysfunctions in the liver, kidney, and endocrine systems. Traditional herbal teas are widely consumed in Iraq for weight management, yet their protective effects remain underexplored scientifically. Objective: This study investigates the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and endocrine-modulating effects of three locally available herbal formulations, Slimming Pill, Japanese Powder Tea, and Shahana Tea, on HFD-induced obesity-related complications in rats. Methods: Twenty male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, HFD-induced model, and three treatment groups receiving either Japanese Powder Tea, Slimming Pill, or Shahana Tea concurrently with HFD for four weeks. Body weight and serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea, uric acid, testosterone, T3, and T4 were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. Results: The Slimming Pill reduced body weight significantly and improved liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST, ALP), outperforming the other treatments. Japanese Powder Tea and Shahana Tea showed moderate improvements. All interventions reduced serum urea and creatinine, though not to statistically significant levels. Slimming Pill and Japanese Powder Tea significantly restored testosterone levels, while T4 remained unaffected across all groups. T3 levels were moderately reduced in treated groups compared to the model. Conclusions: Slimming Pill exhibited superior protective effects against obesity-related hepatic and hormonal disturbances. While all three formulations offered partial nephroprotective and endocrine benefits, extended intervention durations may be necessary to achieve full therapeutic efficacy.