Ethanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata mitigates cardiometabolic risk factors in olanzapine-induced obese female Wistar rats

Obesity is a major public health concern characterized by excessive body fat, which increases the risk of numerous health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.Addressing obesity is crucial for improving overall health and well-being.In this study, thirty female albino Wistar rats, weighing between 190-200 g, were utilized to investigate the effects of Ficus exasperata on olanzapineinduced obesity.After a two-week acclimatization period, obesity was induced in the designated group using olanzapine (4 mg/kg) via oral gavage for 28 days.The rats were then divided into five groups (n=6): normal control, obese-untreated, non-obese treated with Ficus exasperata (100 mg/kg), obese treated with Ficus exasperata (100 mg/kg), and obese treated with orlistat (100 mg/kg).Treatments were administered orally for 28 days.At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for serum analysis.The extract of Ficus exasperata demonstrates significant potential in improving various cardiometabolic indexes, BMI [Underweight: BMI less than 18.5; normal weight: BMI 18.5 -24.9; overweight: BMI 25.0 -29.9; obesity (Class 1): BMI 30.0 -34.9; obesity (Class 2): BMI 35.0 -39.9; extreme obesity (Class 3): BMI 40.0 and above], weight management, and leptin regulation.Ficus exasperata extract offers promising therapeutic benefits for improving cardiometabolic health, managing body weight, and regulating leptin, making it a valuable addition to natural health interventions.