Eryngium carlinae Extract and Exercise Improve Blood Lipid Profile and Skeletal Muscle Function in Obese Rats

Abstract

An excess of adipose tissue characterizes obesity; it is associated with complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases due to an alteration in the lipid profile; this condition affects all tissues; even skeletal muscle is the most affected, causing its malfunction and bringing more significant consequences. Exercise has been described as one of the best treatments to combat obesity. At the same time, E. carlinae is a plant proven to have lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic effects, improving the function of various organs. However, its described effect has not been proven in skeletal muscle during obesity. Wistar male rats were separated into 8 groups, 4 healthy and 4 obese, treated with exercise and E. carlinae extract; after 8 weeks, they were sacrificed, muscles were extracted to measure contraction force, and blood was extracted to perform biochemical tests. Both exercise and E. carlinae extract effectively lowered glucose, improved lipid profile, reduced visceral fat, and improved muscle function during obesity. Exercise and E. carlinae extract improved muscle function during obesity, concerning better utilization and lower absorption of lipids.