Abstract:

Obesity is often identified as a nutritional disorder, and this condition continues to be one of the most important yet preventable health hazards. It may be a complex group of diseases and should be characterized as a syndrome that results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Furthermore, obesity is associated with several diseases such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, and hypertension. In previous studies, we found that in Asia, especially in the Asean region, carbohydrates are heavily represented in the diet. Therefore, we used a high carbohydrate diet to induce obesity in rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potency of Tamarindus indica pulp as an anti-obesity agent in a high carbohydrate diet animal model. The antiobesity effect was evaluated in this in vivo model at doses of 75 mg/kg·bw and 225 mg/kg·bw. Treatment was started in week 3 and week 9, and biochemical characteristics were measured every 3 weeks. In the end of the study period, insulin resistance and adiponectin levels were measured. TIWE (Tamarindus indica water extract) at a dose of 75 mg/kg·bw showed better efficacy than at a dose of 225 mg/kg·bw, and treatment started on week 3 was better than treatment started on week 9. TIWE has an anti-obesity effect associated insulin resistance by increasing adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity, which can impact body weight, triglyceride levels, blood glucose levels, and body fat.

Key words: Obesity, Insulin resistance, Adiponectin, High carbohydrate diet