Oral administration of tannic acid attenuates dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress in high-fat and fructose diet-induced obesity in rats

Obesity and diabetes are considered life-threatening conditions, characterized by increased oxidative stress, insulin resistance, hepatotoxicity, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, we studied the effects of tannic acid in a high-fat and fructose-diet-induced rat model of obesity. Administration of tannic acid at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced fasting blood glucose concentration, reversed disoriented lipid profile, decreased liver enzyme activities, and inhibited oxidative stress compared to the high-fat, high-sugar group. Histopathological examination showed preserved pancreas and liver architecture in the tannic acid-administered groups. The in vitro inhibitory activity of tannic acid against alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase showed good inhibitory potential. Molecular docking studies showed high binding affinity and more hydrogen bond interactions between tannic acid and receptor proteins (alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase) implicated in obesity and diabetes. In conclusion, tannic acid prevented the onset of oxidative stress, preserved the liver, and restored the disoriented lipid profile in high-fat and fructose diet-induced obesity in rats.