In vivo anti-obesity activity of methanolic extract of Helianthus annuus seeds

The aim of the present study was to investigate the constituents and anti-obesity activity of the methanolic extract of Helianthus annuus seeds in mice model. Parameters such as food consumption, locomotor activity, body weight, body mass index (BMI), lee index of obesity (LIO), total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and glucose were studied in swiss albino mice. The mice received cafeteria diet, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) and Helianthus annuus 200 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrate, alkaloid, terpenoids, saponin and flavonoid. Significant increase in locomotor activity (rearing, grooming, ambulation) with HDL and significant decrease in food consumption, body weight, BMI, LIO, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and glucose was seen with Helianthus annuus which is opposite to the result of cafeteria diet. Present findings suggest that the methanolic extract of Helianthus annuus have significant anti-obesity activity by maintaining the normal levels of physical and biochemical parameters.