Green Medicine for Weight Management: Medicinal Plants as promising curative agents in the treatment of Obesity

Abstract

Obesity has become a global health crisis with substantial implications for public health. In the past 50 years, significant advancements have been made in the treatment of disorders like hypertension, adult-onset diabetes, and increased cholesterol that are directly related to obesity. However, the disease of obesity has proven to be mostly resistant to treatments, and anti-obesity drugs (AOMs) frequently have questionable safety and poor efficacy. Here, we give a summary of the history of AOM development with an emphasis on the lessons learned and current challenges. The search for next-generation AOMs that look capable of safely accomplishing significant and sustained body weight loss is motivated by recent developments, including improved knowledge of the molecular gut-brain communication. The exploration of medicinal plants for their anti-obesity potential has gained momentum due to their perceived safety and cultural acceptance.