Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that Hibiscus
sabdariffa Linn. Extract (HSE) would increase arcuate nucleus Lep-R,
NPY, and white adipose tissue β3AR mRNA expression in DIO rats. This
study also analyzed the potency of H. sabdariffa bioactive compounds as
an activator of Lep-R and β3AR. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley
rats were separated into four groups: Control (standard chow), DIO
(HFD), DIO-Hib200 (HFD+HSE 200 mg/kg BW), and DIO-Hib400 (HFD+HSE400
mg/kg BW). HSE administration was administered orally for five weeks,
once a day. Result: The administration of HSE significantly
(P<0,05) increased the arcuate nucleus Lep-R expression, but
not for the ARC NPY and WAT β3AR. The Lee index of DIO rats also
significantly decrease (p<0,001 for a dose of 200 mg/kg BW and
p<0,01 for a dose of 400 mg/kg BW) into the normal range (≤
310). Among 39 bioactive compounds, 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid has high
free binding scores (-8,63) for Lep-R, and
myricetin_3_arabinogalactoside has high free binding scores (-9,39)
for β3AR. These binding predictions can activate Lep-R and β3AR.
Conclusion: HSE increases leptin sensitivity and reduces obesity, and
its bioactive compounds can activate the Lep-R and β3AR to regulate
energy balance. HSE could be a potential therapeutic target for obesity.