Rumex usambarensis (Dammer) Leaf and Stem Extract Effect on Body Weight and Lipid Profile: A Study in Albino Rats

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Rumex usambarensis plant extract on body weight and lipid profile of fattened albino rats.

Study Design: This was an in-vivo experimental study in laboratory animal model.

Place and Duration: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda, from January to May 2015.

Methodology: Rumex usambarensis stems and leaves were collected from Kabale district in western Uganda during rainy season for the study while one whole plant was brought to the university for authentication by a university botanist. The fresh stems and leaves weighing 8.1 kg were blended in 1.045L of distilled water and filtered through a muslin cloth before evaporating in an oven set at 55°C to a constant weight of dry mass. A portion of the dry mass was screened for presence of phytochemicals groups while the remaining portion was dissolved in distilled water and administered to fattened wistar albino rats at the doses of 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg corresponding to group 1, 2 and 3 respectively daily by gavage for 21 days. The Control group received equivalent volume of distilled water by gavage daily. Mean body weights at baseline and at day 21 were statistically compared using ANOVA followed by sidak statistical test at p=0.05. Lipid profiles obtained on day 21 were also compared using the same statistical tests.

Results: Rumex usambarensis extract significantly reduced body weight of fattened rats from baseline at all the doses tested i.e 338.7±141.4 Vs 323.4±135, p=0.03, for 125 mg/kg dose, 335.9±140.1 Vs 322.7±134.6, p=0.03 for 250mg/kg dose, 339.1±141.5 Vs 324.7±135.6, p=0.03 for 500 mg/kg dose while the control group had no significant change in body weight i.e 338.7±141.3 Vs 338.3±141.1, p=0.35.The extract groups at lower dose levels had significantly higher High Density Lipoprotein level i.e. 29.1±4.8 for 125 mg/kg dose (p= 0.002) and 29.1±6.8 for 250 mg/kg dose 4 (p=0.03) compared to 21.4±5 for the control group and 25.1±6.5 for the 500 mg/kg group.

Conclusion: Rumex umsambarensis extract decreased weight of fattened animals and may be useful in reduction of body weight in overweight and obese persons.