Evaluation of antiobesity activity of justicia tranquebariensis on progesterone-induced obese rats

Obesity is characterized as abnormal or excessive fat deposition in adipose tissue and is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate and fat metabolism and poses a risk to the health and well-being of humans. Natural herbal products for weight reduction may be effective in the treatment of obesity and associated disorders. Therefore, the present study was to investigate the phytochemical screening, anti oxidant and anti-obesity activity of Justicia tranquebariensis extract. The phytochemical screening Justicia tranquebariensis showed that the presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, polyphenol, and alkaloids in ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts. Quantitative analysis of phenol and flavonoids was carried out. Significant amount of flavonoids and phenols were present. The anti-obesity activity of Justicia tranquebariensis was proved by inhibition of lipase. Overall, it was concluded from the present study that Justicia tranquebariensis extract possesed rich source of phytochemicals and hence anti-obesity activity.