Abstract

Lamidi Tajudeen Babatunde76758*, Imohiosen Ojeaga76759 and Umar Aisha Muhammad76760

Obesity is a condition characterized by excess weight or body fat that can adversely affect health. This study investigated the potential effects of the aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) induced obesity in albino wistar rats. Induction of overweight was achieved using MSG at a dose of 400 mg/kg.

In vivo investigations reveale that an oral daily dose of 200 mg/kg of the aqueous extract resulted in a significant loss of body weight after fourteen days, while a dose of 400 mg/kg showed significant weight loss after just seven days. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and phlobatannins in the extract.

Consequently, Acalypha wilkesiana could serve as a vital source of supplementary diets containing several bioproducts essential for biochemical functions in humans and may provide health benefits. This study demonstrates that Acalypha wilkesiana exhibits anti-obesity effects.