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The study investigates the anti-obesity efficacy of Papaver somniferumΒ seeds in obesity-induced Albino rats. Washed poppy seeds effectively reduced weight, lowered glucose levels, and improved lipid profiles without toxicity. In contrast, unwashed seeds altered blood parameters, suggesting potential toxicity and the need for further research.
Obesity is a major global health issue, affecting nearly 30% of the population worldwide. Despite the prevalence of obesity, there is currently no data available on the anti-obesity and metabolic effects of Papaver somniferum. The objective of the study was to confirm the anti-obesity and metabolic effects of Papaver somniferum (poppy) seeds in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats, assessing their impact on weight reduction, lipid profile, and organ toxicity. The experiment was conducted in two phases: a 4 week poppy seed intervention and a 6 week obesity induction trial. Rats were separated into groups and given both washed or unwashed poppy seeds, HFD, and a prescription medication for weight loss. The findings demonstrated that washing poppy seeds significantly decreased weight gain and enhanced lipid profiles, particularly reducing triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Additionally, treated groups showed a decrease in glucose levels. However, higher doses of unwashed poppy seeds caused modest liver stress, indicated by raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and renal histopathology showed mild inflammation, but hematological parameters were constant. These results suggest that washed poppy seeds may have the potential to reduce obesity and enhance metabolic health without adverse harm, indicating the need for further research to explore their therapeutic potential.
Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessively high body fat percentage despite a body mass index (BMI) of less than 201,2. When the body's controlled system fails to maintain the proper balance between nutrients and energy in the body's regulatory system, it results in the accumulation of excess body fat deposited in the body3. The BMI is the primary diagnostic tool used to determine normal weight, overweight, and obesity status. It is commonly used in clinical research to identify individuals with excess weight or obesity. Research indicates that obesity is a disease in and of itself rather than a major cause of any chronic disease4. It is primarily caused by the consumption of excessive calorie-containing food and a sedentary lifestyle5. Genetic weight-gaining mechanisms and prolonged and excessive exposure to food high in energy may also contribute to obesity. The global prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly in recent years, with an estimated 2.1 billion people globally, or 30% of the world's population, suffering from obesity and being overweight. This ratio is predicted to reach 40% by 2030 if the current trends continue to rise. Environmental factors like ecosystem and social issues also influence the development of obesity6,7. Obesity has been linked to several forms of cancer, including uterine, breast, and colon cancer, as well as comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis). Furthermore, obesity is also associated with cardiac risk factors, including hyperglycemia and a high body mass index. The most well-known factors that contribute to obesity include hormonal problems and compulsive eating8. While traditional treatments for obesity have not been extensively studied, they generally pose minimal risks. On the other hand, western medications often come with costly side effects that can pose significant health risks. Therefore, an alternate approach to creating safe, efficient anti-obesity medications can be to investigate natural products against obesity. The advancement of phytochemical studies supports the traditional use of therapeutic herbs9, which may be used as an alternative therapy for obesity. Several scientific investigations have shown the effectiveness of herbal medicines in treating obesity for centuries. Earlier studies have demonstrated that medicinal herbs, which contain a variety of pharmacological components, are consumed as food10. There has been discussion about the interest in employing natural herbs as medications. Using these herbs has been associated with very few negative consequences11; these plants can improve digestion and accelerate weight reduction12. Medicinal plants employ a multifaceted approach to address obesity, encompassing five primary mechanisms: appetite suppression, stimulation of thermogenesis and lipid metabolism, inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity, prevention of pathogenesis, and promotion of lipolysis13. Furthermore, natural herbs often contain bioactive compounds that act as digestive enzyme inhibitors, thereby hindering the hydrolysis and absorption of dietary carbohydrates and fats14.
Papaver somniferum, commonly known as the opium poppy or Khashkhash in the subcontinent, is a globally recognized traditional plant with a rich history of use. Various phytochemicals, including alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, noscapine, papaverine, and thebaine, have been isolated from opium15. While the poppy plant is primarily associated with its psychoactive and analgesic properties, its seeds are increasingly recognized for their potential health benefits. Poppy seeds are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to weight management16. Notably, poppy seeds contain Ξ±-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid whose anti-obesity potential has garnered considerable attention. The 10 and 12 isomers of Ξ±-linolenic acid have been specifically implicated in weight loss. Numerous human studies have demonstrated that supplementation with a combination of these isomers can decrease body fat percentage17. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of P. somniferum on weight reduction in an animal model. Additionally, the study aimed to assess its impact on lipid profile, hematological parameters, kidney and liver function, and adipose tissue histology.
All procedures were conducted after the ethical committee of the University of Lahore Pakistan approved them in the meeting held on 21-04-2021 with Registration No: REG. # EPZOOL02193026
1. Housing of animals
2. Grouping of animals
3. Preparation of high-fat diet (HFD)
4. Grouping of obese animals
5. Preparation of poppy seeds
6. Calculation of dosage and preparation of feed
7. Dissection of rats and blood collection
8. Sample analysis
9. Evaluation of toxicity
10. Statistical analysis
Rats with an initial body weight of 40-45 g (weaning stage) were selected for the 70 day experiment, which was divided into two phases. The first phase, lasting 6 weeks, involved inducing obesity in the experimental group by supplementing their standard chow with a high-fat diet (HFD; Figure 1). In the subsequent 4 week phase, the obese rats were administered Papaver somniferum. Body weight was measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. Repeated measures A...
The protocol has the following critical steps to be taken care of. The first critical step was to induce obesity in the animals by using High fat diet. The second step was to monitor animals which are on high fat diet that they do not develop diabetes or any other disease due to HFD.
The protocol also has the following limitations. Due to academic restrictions, the experimental time to study the exact effect of poppy seeds was only 10 weeks. A more detailed study of poppy seeds with different ...
The authors have nothing to disclose.
The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSPD2025R986), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
Blood glucose monitor GL-110 | Certeza | GL-110 | A portable device used to measure blood glucose levels. |
Centrifuge | Eppendorf | 22620005 | A laboratory equipment that spins samples at high speeds to separate components based on density. |
EDTA-coated vials | BD Vacutainer | 367861 | Tubes used for collecting blood samples, preventing clotting by binding calcium ions. |
Eppendorf tubes | Eppendorf | 0030 120.094 | Small plastic tubes used for storing and handling small volumes of liquid. |
Falcon tubes | Corning | 352059 | Conical tubes used for centrifugation and various laboratory applications. |
Microscope | Olympus | CX23RF100 | An optical instrument used for viewing small objects, typically magnified through lenses. |
Neubauer hemocytometer | Hawksley | H.H1 | A specialized slide used for counting cells under a microscope. |
Orlistat120 mg | Windlas Biotech Ltd | ||
Pipette tips | Eppendorf | 0030 073.435 | Disposable tips used with pipettes for transferring liquids accurately. |
Serological pipettes | Falcon | 357551 | Graduated pipettes used for transferring liquids in larger volumes. |
SPSS software version 16 | IBM | N/A (software, not a physical product) | A statistical software package used for data analysis. |
Standard laboratory cage (Super Mouse 750) | Lab Products, Inc. | 10021 | A cage designed to house laboratory mice, providing a controlled environment. |
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