Evaluation of the antidiabetic action of Mangifera indica in mice

The leaves of Mangifera indica were assessed for antidiabetic properties using normoglycaemic, glucose-induced hyperglycaemia and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice. The aqueous extract produced a reduction of blood glucose level in normoglycaemic and glucose-induced hyperglycaemia, but did not have any effect on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The hypoglycaemic effect of the aqueous extract was compared with that of an oral dose of chlorpropamide under the same conditions. The results of this study indicate that the aqueous extract of the leaves of Mangifera indica possess hypoglycaemic activity.     

鱼腥草合剂对db/db糖尿病小鼠肾损伤的影响

目的:比较鱼腥草合剂醇提液和水提液对db/db小鼠肾脏损伤的作用,并探讨鱼腥草合剂防治2型糖尿病肾病的机制。方法:8周龄的db/m和db/db小鼠分为4组:db/m正常小鼠对照组;db/db糖尿病小鼠对照组;db/db糖尿病小鼠鱼腥草合剂醇提液156 mg.kg-1治疗组;db/db糖尿病小鼠鱼腥草合剂水提液156 mg.kg-1治疗组。经鱼腥草合剂ig治疗4,8周后,观察小鼠体重、24 h尿白蛋白(Alb),血清胰岛素(FINS)、空腹血糖(FPG)、胰岛素敏感指数(IAI)等生化指标的情况。结果:鱼腥草合剂在治疗8周后,血糖、胆固醇、24 h尿白蛋白与对照组相比,均有下降,改善了高脂血症、高血糖症、高胰岛素血症。结论:鱼腥草合剂具有改善糖尿病肾病的作用,其作用机制可能与降低微量尿白蛋白及改善胰岛素抵抗相关。     

Extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis Reduced Body Weight and Blood Triglyceride in db/db Mice

Scutellaria baicalensis has been extensively employed for the clinical treatment of hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, dysentery, inflammatory diseases, and the common cold. The present study was performed to investigate the anti‐obesity and anti‐dyslipidemia effect of Scutellaria baicalensis extracts (SBE) in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Male db/db mice were divided into three groups (n = 5) and orally administrated vehicle (control), SBE 10, and 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 4 weeks everyday. Administration of SBE improves weight gain, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperinsulinemia in db/db mice. In obese db/db mice, SBE treatment also reduced plasma alanine aminotransferase levels. In the livers of db/db mice, SBE promoted 5' AMP‐activated protein kinase activity and restored metabolic process and insulin signaling pathways. Our data demonstrate that SBE exerts potent anti‐obesity and anti‐hypertriglyceride effects suggesting its useful potential function as adjuvant therapeutic agent for the treatment of weight gain and hypertriglyceridemia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypoglycaemic properties of the aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida (Benth) (Rubiaceae). Studies in the mouse

The aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida (Rubiaceae) Benth, exhibited potent hypoglycaemic effects in both normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice by oral administration. This effect was dose-dependent and more potent than that observed with chlorpropamide (1-(p-chlorobenzene-sulphanyl)-3-propylurea). In the normoglycaemic mice, the extract (140 mg/kg body weight) produced a fall in blood sugar of 32% + 1% while at 280 mg/kg body weight there was a 52% + 2% fall over the same time interval. In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, the reaction time of the extract was longer with a single dose of the extract producing a significant hypoglycaemic effect 4 h after administration. In diabetic mice, a dose of 140 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract caused a fall in blood sugar of 51% + 1% while a dose of 280 mg/kg produced a fall of 60% + 2%.     

橄榄苦甙改善db/db小鼠肝脏胰岛素抵抗作用机制研究

目的：本研究主要观察橄榄苦甙（OL）改善肥胖db/db小鼠胰岛素抵抗的作用机制。方法：6-8周龄雄性db/db小鼠12只,按体质量和随机血糖随机分为OL组和模型组,每组6只,另设同周龄C57BL/6J小鼠6只为正常组。OL组灌服OL水溶液50mg·kg^-1体重,其余组给以等剂量生理盐水。治疗4周后,检测各组小鼠的空腹血糖（FBG）、胰岛素水平、计算胰岛素抵抗指数以及口服葡萄糖耐量实验（OGTT）,取肝脏组织,采用RT-PCR、Western Blot检测相关基因和蛋白表达。结果：治疗4周后,与模型组比较,OL组体重、空腹血糖、血清胰岛素水平和胰岛素抵抗指数显著降低（P<0.05或P<0.01）;OGTT实验后,OL组血糖明显低于模型组（P<0.01）;OL组小鼠肝脏组织InsR、IRS-1、GLUT-2 mRNA和蛋白表达显著升高（P<0.01）。结论：OL通过提高肝脏InsR、IRS-1、GLUT-2 mRNA和蛋白的表达起到降低血糖、改善胰岛素抵抗的作用。     

血脂康对db/db糖尿病小鼠周围神经病变的保护作用研究

目的探讨血脂康对db/db糖尿病小鼠周围神经病变的治疗作用及机制。方法将12周龄的db/db小鼠随机分为3组,分别给予血脂康0.3 g/kg(低剂量)、0.6 g/kg(高剂量)及安慰剂灌胃8周治疗,同周龄的db/m小鼠作为正常组。投药8周观察血脂康对db/db糖尿病小鼠空腹血糖、血脂、空腹胰岛素及坐骨神经传导速度的影响,同时检测坐骨神经组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性。结果与db/db对照组比较,血脂康低高剂量组治疗8周后TC、LDL-C、空腹血糖和空腹胰岛素均下降,但2组之间比较无明显差异;血脂康治疗后坐骨神经传导速度、SOD活性和GSH-Px活性均增高,MDA降低,其中高剂量组坐骨神经传导速度快于低剂量组,GSH-Px活性高于低剂量组。结论血脂康在调脂降糖的同时能提高坐骨神经传导速度,减轻神经组织氧化应激,对周围神经具有保护作用,其作用独立于调脂降糖。     

Antiobesity Effects of a Sulfur Compound Thiacremonone Mediated via Down-regulation of Serum Triglyceride and Glucose Levels and Lipid Accumulation in the Liver of db/db Mice

Garlic is widely used as a spice. Garlic extracts exert anticancer and antiinflammatory effects, but its antiobesity efficacy studies have produced conflicting results. The antiobesity effects of thiacremonone, a sulfur compound isolated from garlic, was evaluated in obese db/db mice. Thiacremonone was orally administrated to mice for 3 weeks. The thiacremonone‐treated db/db mice showed a loss of body weight and decrease in blood triglyceride and glucose levels compared with the control mice. Histological analysis further revealed that thiacremonone significantly decreased lipid accumulation in the fatty livers of treated db/db mice. It was observed that GLUT‐4 expression and glucose uptake were up‐regulated by thiacremonone in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Thiacremonone treatment also suppressed expression levels of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), which are involved in lipid metabolism, in the liver of db/db mice. In addition, thiacremonone enhanced peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in the fatty liver. Taken together, these results suggest that thiacremonone may play a vital role in improving the management of obesity and related metabolic syndromes via inhibition of lipid accumulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypoglycemic effects of Tibetan medicine Huidouba in STZ-induced diabetic mice and db/db mice

Objective: Huidouba (HDB) is a Chinese folk medicine used to treat diabetes in Sichuan Province, China. Therefore, we investigated the anti-diabetic effects of HDB and its underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that HDB treatment could enhance glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and thus prevent a hyperglycemia state. Methods: To test the hypothesis, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and db/db mice, widely used models of hyperglycemia and insulin-resistant diabetes, were either treated with HDB, metformin, or acarbose. Blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test, pancreatic histopathology and serum biochemistry were detected to assess the hypoglycemic effect of HDB. Results: HDB treatments were found to show the effect in reducing glucose levels. HDB also resulted in a significant reduction in body weight and food intake in the STZ-induced diabetic mouse model. Furthermore, it significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance in the two diabetic mouse models. Importantly, insulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, and somatostatin immunohistochemistry revealed that HDB treatment improved the function and the location of the cells in the islets compared with the other two treatments. HDB treatment resulted in significant restoration of islet function. Our results illustrated the underlying mechanism of HDB in the progression of diabetes, and HDB can be an effective agent for the treatment of diabetes. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that HDB can reduce blood glucose levels in STZ-induced hyperglycemic mice and db/db mice.     

翻白草水提取物对自发2型糖尿病db/db小鼠降糖作用的研究

目的 观察翻白草水提取物对2型糖尿病db/db小鼠空腹血糖、血清胰岛素及胰岛素敏感指数的影响.方法 采用公认的自发2型糖尿病模型db/db小鼠,随机分为4组:翻白草高剂量组(400 mg·kg-1·bw-1)、翻白草低剂量组(200 mg·kg-1·bw-1)、吡格列酮组(4.05 mg·kg-1·bw-1)及模型组,...     

The effect of Momordica charantia and Mucuna pruriens in experimental diabetes and their effect on key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism

The Indian traditional system of medicine prescribed traditional plant therapies. Two such plants, i.e. Momordica charantia (MC) and Mucuna pruriens (MP), earlier shown to reduce hyperglycaemia, were assessed for their anti hyperglycaemic effect on varying degrees of hyperglycaemia and diabetic complications. Alcohol and aqueous extracts of MC (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) and only an alcohol extract of MP (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day) were evaluated in a pilot study (plasma glucose >180 mg/dL, 21 days), a chronic study in alloxanized rats (plasma glucose >280mg/dL, 120 days) and streptozotocin (STZ) mice (plasma glucose >400 mg/dL, 60 days). In the pilot study, the maximum antihyperglycaemic effect occurred with an aqueous extract of MC at week 3 and an alcohol extract of MP at week 6 at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day. In chronic alloxanized rats, the selected dose of MC led to a significant fall of 64.33%, 66.96%, 69.7% and 70.53% in plasma glucose levels at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months, respectively. MP showed a decrease of 40.71%, 45.63%, 50.33% and 51.01% at the same time period. In chronic STZ diabetic mice, MC led to a mean reduction of 15.37%, 18.68% and 22.86% in plasma glucose levels on days 40, 50 and 60 of sampling while MP had no significant effect. The alteration in hepatic and skeletal muscle glycogen content and hepatic glucokinase, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate and phosphofructokinase levels in diabetic mice were partially restored by MC but not by MP. The mechanism of action of MC and MP is discussed.     

Antidiabetic activity of Passiflora incarnata Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The present study was designed to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of Passiflora incarnata Linn. leaves which are widely used as traditional treatment for diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

The methanolic extracts of leaves of Passiflora incarnata were administered orally (100 and 200 mg/kg, for 15 days) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Hypoglycemic effects, oral glucose tolerance test, change in body weight and lipid profile of diabetic mice treated with methanolic extracts were assessed and compared with normal, diabetic control and standard drug treated mice. Histological examination during 15 days of treatment was also carried out.

Results

Methanolic extract (200 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Significant differences were also observed in urine glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test, serum lipid profile and body weight of methanolic extract treated diabetic mice, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated mice. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by streptozotocin.

Conclusion

Methanolic extract of Passiflora incarnata exhibit significant anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.     

Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed residues in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

An extract of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed residues has been shown to possess hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties in normal mice. The present study investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of seabuckthorn seed residues (ASSR) on serum glucose, lipid profiles and antioxidant parameters in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a normal control group; diabetic control group; diabetic groups supplemented with 5 mg/kg body weight glibenclamide (reference drug) and 400 mg/kg body weight ASSR. Diabetes in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight). Vehicle (distilled water), glibenclamide and ASSR were administered orally to normal and diabetic rats once a day lasting for 4 weeks. The data showed that administration of ASSR significantly lowered the serum glucose, triglyceride and nitric oxide levels in diabetic rats. Moreover, ASSR treatment also increased serum superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione level markedly. These results show that ASSR has hypoglycemic, hypotriglyceridemic and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, suggesting that ASSR supplementation can be useful in preventing diabetic complications associated with hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

血脂康对db/db糖尿病小鼠坐骨神经传导速度影响的研究

目的探讨血脂康对db/db糖尿病小鼠坐骨神经传导速度的影响。方法将12周龄db/db小鼠随机分为3组,分别给予血脂康低剂量（0.3 g/kg）、高剂量（0.6 g/kg）及安慰剂灌胃8周,同周龄db/m小鼠作为非糖尿病对照组。投药8周后行糖耐量试验,治疗前后分别测定db/db糖尿病小鼠及db/m小鼠坐骨神经的传导速度。结果与db/db对照组比较,血脂康不同剂量组治疗8周后总胆固醇（TC）、低密度脂蛋白（LDL-C）、三酰甘油（TG）及空腹血糖下降（P〈0.05）。糖负荷120 min后葡萄糖曲线下面积（AUCg）和胰岛素曲线下面积（AUCins）均低于db/db对照组,而血脂康两组之间比较无统计学意义。血脂康两组治疗后坐骨神经传导速度明显高于对照组,而高剂量组优于低剂量组。结论血脂康在降低血脂、血糖的同时,能提高坐骨神经传导速度,对周围神经具有保护作用,其作用独立于调脂降糖。     

Effects of Hypericum perforatum extract on diabetes‐induced learning and memory impairment in rats

Cognitive impairment occurs in diabetes mellitus. Hypericum perforatum has been used in folk medicine to improve mental performance. Here it is hypothesized that chronic treatment with an extract of Hypericum perforatum (6, 12 and 25 mg/kg, p.o.) would have effects on passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory in control and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Treatments were begun at the onset of hyperglycaemia. PAL was assessed 30 days later. A retention test was done 24 h after training. At the end, the animals were weighed and blood samples were drawn for plasma glucose measurement. Diabetes caused impairment in acquisition and retrieval processes of PAL and memory. Hypericum treatment (12 and 25 mg/kg) improved learning and memory in control rats and reversed learning and memory deficits in diabetic rats. A dose of 6 mg/kg did not affect cognitive function. Hypericum administration did not alter the body weight and plasma glucose levels. Antioxidant properties and cholinergic facilitatory effects of Hypericum may be involved in its nootropic effects. These results show that Hypericum perforatum prevented the deleterious effects of diabetes on PAL and memory. As Hypericum would be free of major side effects compared with other nootropic medications, it may provide a new potential alternative for demented diabetic patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

青葙子提取物降血糖活性的研究

 目的研究青葙子提取物对四氧嘧啶糖尿病小鼠降血糖作用。方法采用体积分数95%乙醇和水连续浸提青葙子获得醇提(A)和水提浸膏(B)。醇提浸膏用石油醚、醋酸乙酯、正丁醇连续萃取,获得不同部分。水提物采用3倍乙醇沉淀分为醇溶部分和粗多糖。尾静脉注射四氧嘧啶建立小鼠糖尿病模型,给予青葙子提取物灌胃,1 g·kg^-1或800 mg·kg^-1,连续3周, 测定血糖、血清中胰岛素含量及饮水量和耗食量,测定小鼠肝、肾、脾和胰腺重量指数。结果青葙子醇提物和水提物均有一定降血糖活性,其中醇提物的正丁醇部分(A-c)和水提物中粗多糖部分(B-b)具有显著降血糖活性,粗多糖部分具有明显促进胰岛素分泌作用,效果优于格列本脲(2 mg·kg^-1)。A-c和B-b能使四氧嘧啶引起的糖尿病小鼠肾脏和肝脏的肿胀恢复接近正常。结论青葙子提取物时四氧嘧啶糖尿病小鼠具有降血糖作用。     

白术多糖对自发性2型糖尿病小鼠血糖及相关指标的影响

目的:观察白术多糖对自发性2型糖尿病db/db小鼠的降血糖作用。方法:以db/db 2型糖尿病小鼠为研究对象,分为模型组、阳性药组(盐酸二甲双胍250 mg·kg-1)、白术多糖3个剂量组(300,90,30 mg·kg-1),连续ig给予相应药物4周。给药期间观察小鼠的一般体征及体重,于给药第2,4周检测空腹血糖(FBG);给药4周后,检测小鼠空腹血浆胰岛素(Ins)以及口服糖耐量(OGTT)的变化,并根据血糖计算胰岛素敏感性指数(ISI)。结果:与模型组相比,白术多糖(300,90 mg·kg-1)给药期间db/db小鼠整体状态较好,毛色较光滑,饮食饮水量降低,明显降低db/db小鼠空腹血糖、血浆胰岛素,升高胰岛素敏感性指数,降低小鼠在给予葡萄糖后各个时间点(0.5,2 h)血糖值及血糖曲线下面积(AUC),(P0.05,P0.01);但对体重无明显影响。结论:白术多糖能够有效降低db/db 2型糖尿病小鼠的空腹血糖,降低血浆胰岛素水平,增加胰岛素敏感性指数,改善糖耐量,其降糖作用机制之一可能是通过降低血浆胰岛素、增加胰岛素的敏感性。     

复方石斛合剂单次给药对db/db小鼠胰岛素信号的影响

目的:探讨复方石斛合剂单次给药对db/db小鼠胰岛素信号的影响,并探讨相关的作用机制。方法:选取30只14~16周龄雄性db/db小鼠,按空腹血糖及体重随机分成模型组、中药1方组、中药2方组;另10只db/m小鼠为正常组。以复方石斛合剂1方与2方单次给药后,从整体水平观察葡萄糖耐量(OGTT)的变化;单次给药30 min与60 min后,从细胞水平观察肝细胞6-磷酸果糖激酶-1(PFK)与丙酮酸脱氢酶(PDH)活性,胰岛素受体(InsR)与Akt蛋白磷酸化水平的变化。结果:与正常组比较,模型组db/db小鼠OGTT 0,30,60,120 min的血糖水平显著升高,肝细胞PFK与PDH活性显著降低,30 min与60 min InsR与Akt蛋白表达显著降低(P0.01);与模型组比较,石斛合剂1方和2方单次给药均能明显降低db/db小鼠OGTT 60,120 min的血糖水平(P0.05,P0.01),改善葡萄糖耐量;石斛合剂1方和2方单次给药均增加肝细胞PFK与PDH活性,促进InsR Tyr1150/1151与Akt Thr308和Ser473磷酸化水平,呈现药物时间依赖效应(P0.05,P0.01)。结论:复方石斛合剂1方,2方分别单次给药都能提高db/db小鼠的葡萄糖耐量,增加肝细胞PFK和PDH酶活性,其机制可能与增加InsR Tyr150/1151与Akt Thr308和Ser473磷酸化,改善胰岛素信号的快速转导有关。     

番石榴叶提取物对db/db小鼠骨骼肌AMPK-PGC-1α-FNDC5信号通路的影响

目的:探讨番石榴叶提取物对糖尿病 db/db 小鼠骨骼肌 AMPK-PGC-1α-FNDC5信号通路的影响。方法:实验共纳入24只6周龄雄性db/db小鼠及6只同龄雄性C57BL/6J小鼠,适应性喂养两周后,6只C57BL/6J雄性小鼠作为正常组,db/db小鼠检测空腹血糖≥7.0 mmol/l者视为造模成功,并随机分为模型组和番石榴叶提取物高、中、低剂量组,每组各6只。番石榴叶提取物按高剂量14 mg/kg、中剂量7 mg/kg、低剂量3.5 mg/kg每日进行灌胃,正常组小鼠灌服等量蒸馏水,干预4周。每周监测小鼠进食量、体重和空腹血糖。 实验结束后,将小鼠空腹脱臼处死,并从眼眶取血,测定血浆胰岛素水平。Western-blot检测AMPK-α、p-AMPK-α、PGC-1α、FNDC5蛋白在骨骼肌中的表达,以及PGC-1α、UCP-1在脂肪组织中的表达。结果:番石榴叶提取物高剂量组小鼠相比模型组小鼠体重、血糖均显著降低,中剂量组小鼠在第2周血糖也出现明显下降,高、中剂量组小鼠的胰岛素水平均降低。检测蛋白表达结果显示,番石榴叶提取物干预的小鼠骨骼肌P-AMPK-α、PGC-1α、FNDC5蛋白和脂肪组织PGC-1α、UCP-1蛋白的表达均明显高于模型组。结论:番石榴叶提取物可通过增强骨骼肌的AMPK-PGC-1α-FNDC5信号通路传导,诱导白色脂肪组织棕色化,以实现降低血糖、减轻体重。     

Antihyperglycemic effect of the fruit-pulp of Eugenia jambolana in experimental diabetes mellitus

The oral antihyperglycemic effect of the water and ethanolic extracts of the fruit-pulp of Eugenia jambolana (EJ) was investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic with fasting blood glucose between 120 and 250 mg/dl as well as severely diabetic rabbits (fasting blood glucose above 250 mg/dl). Water extract was found to be more effective than the ethanolic extract in reducing fasting blood glucose and improving blood glucose in glucose tolerance test. Chromatographic purification of the water extract yielded not only two hypoglycaemic fractions (F-III more active than F-IV) but indicated the presence of hyperglycemic compounds (F-I and F-II) also in the water extract of Eugenia jambolana fruits. When administered as a single dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight; F-III could reduce fasting blood glucose from 174.0 +/- 4.6 to 137.3 +/- 5.4 mg/dl in diabetic (21% fall) and from 266.0 +/- 5.4 to 202.2 +/- 5.2 mg/dl in severely diabetic rabbits (24% fall). After treatment of diabetic and severely diabetic rabbits daily once with 25mg/kg, body weight with F-III for 7 and 15 days, respectively, there was fall in fasting blood glucose (38% diabetic; 48% severely diabetic) and improvement in blood glucose during glucose tolerance test (48%) in diabetic rabbits. Further, there was increase in the plasma insulin levels in both diabetic (24.4%) and severely diabetic rabbits (26.3%). The in vitro studies with pancreatic islets showed that the insulin release was nearly two and half times more than that in untreated diabetic rabbits. The mechanism of action of FIII fraction appears to be both pancreatic by stimulating release of insulin and extra pancreatic by directly acting on the tissues.     

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa on obesity in MSG mice

The aim of the present investigation was determine whether a standardized Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces aqueous extract has an effect on body weight in an obese animal model induced by the administration of monosodium glutamate. Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract, containing 33.64 mg of total anthocyanins per each 120 mg of extract, was orally administered (120 mg/kg/day) for 60 days to healthy and obese mice, and body weight gain, food and liquid intake, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were measured. Hibiscus sabdariffa administration significantly reduced body weight gain in obese mice and increased liquid intake in healthy and obese mice. ALT levels were significantly increased on the 15th and 45th days in obese mice, but AST levels did not show significant changes. Mortality was not observed in the Hibiscus sabdariffa treated groups. Triglycerides and cholesterol levels showed non-significant reductions in animals treated with Hibiscus sabdariffa. Our data confirm the anti-obesity effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa reported by the Mexican population.