Anti-Obesity Effect of <i>Boscia senegalensis</i> in Rabbits

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is defined as excessive and abnormal accumulation of fatty tissue with significant somatic, psychological and social consequences on quality of life. Obesity has long been considered a simple aesthetic problem linked to excessive gluttony. It is however recognized today as a real pathology, so much so that the WHO has declared it as “ the first non-infectious epidemic in history and a major problem of the century”. In addition, many studies have been carried out aimed at the production of less fatty foods and, scientifically, at the development of anti-obesity drugs. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of the extract of Boscia senegalensis (Capparaceae) used in Chad to fight against type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Methodology: A bromatological study of Boscia senegalensis extract was carried out at the Food Quality Control Centre (CECOQDA) in Ndjamena (Chad), followed by an in vivo study of rabbits carried out at the IRED Biotechnop &#244; le laboratory (Chad). Results: The results obtained from the 100 g bromatological study of the dry extract of Boscia senegalensis are as fo llows: protein content (20.24 % ± 0.007%), fat content (5.92 % ± 0.21% ), c arbohydrate content (35.16 % ± 1.05%), fibre content (2.11 % ± 0.26 %), moisture content (5.7 % ± 0.14%) and ash content (2.90 % ± 0.03%). No aflatoxin was detected in the dry extract of Boscia senegalensis. A significant decrease (p = 0.04) in body weight was observed in rabbits treated with Boscia senegalensis extract compared to controls. In addition, histological sections of the various organs (liver, spleen, kidneys) of treated rabbits showed no lesions following the incorporation of the extract of Boscia senegalensis . Conclusion: This study showed the anti-obesity effect of Boscia senegalensis. It also made it possible to verify the harmlessness of the product with regard to the results on chronic toxicity.