Hypolipidemic and Insulin-Sensitizing Effects of Elaeocarpus floribundus Extract in Mice

Abstract

Obesity induced by a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet is a primary driver of dyslipidemia, hepatic injury, and insulin resistance. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of Elaeocarpus floribundus (Jalpai) leaf extract (JLE) by comparing its effects on key metabolic parameters with those of the standard drug orlistat in a diet-induced obese murine model. Male mice were fed an HFHF diet and divided into four treatment groups: control, orlistat (20 mg/kg), JLE 250 mg/kg, and JLE 350 mg/kg. After seven weeks, serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Treatment produced a significant, dose-dependent improvement in the lipid profile. Notably, it induced a greater increase in HDL-C levels (p < 0.001) and a more pronounced reduction in LDL-C (p < 0.001) than both the control and orlistat groups. Consequently, key cardiovascular risk indices, including the LDL-HDL ratio, were markedly better in the JLE 350 group (0.96) compared to the orlistat group (2.37). JLE also demonstrated superior hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects, as evidenced by significantly greater reductions in liver enzymes (ALT and AST; p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (p < 0.001). While both treatments moderated weight gain, JLE provided broader and more potent restoration of metabolic markers. In conclusion, Elaeocarpus floribundus leaf extract was more effective than orlistat in ameliorating dyslipidemia—particularly by favorably modulating HDL-C and LDLC— and in attenuating markers of hepatic and renal injury. These findings position JLE as a promising natural agent for managing obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms of action. .