TITLE:
Anti-Obesity and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Elephantopus mollis Kunth. Aqueous Extract on MACAPOS 2 Induced Obese Rats
AUTHORS:
Clémence Mvongo, Adamou Mfopa, Joseph Ngakou Mukam, Paul Aimé Noubissi, Sandrine Nkoubat Tchoundjwen, Steve Wilfried Kameni Dingan, Audrey Gwladys Nzepang Tchize, Michel Archange Fokam Tagne, René Kamgang, Jean-Louis Essame Oyono
KEYWORDS:
Elephantopus mollis, Obesity, Lipid Parameters, MACAPOS 2, High-Fat Diet
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.5,
May
27,
2026
ABSTRACT: Elephantopus mollis Kunth. (Asteraceae) is used in folk medicine by the populations of the Eastern region of Cameroon for its different therapeutic activities. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic potential of Elephantopus mollis aqueous extract on MACAPOS (maize, cassava, palm oil, and sugar) 2 induced obesity in rats. Obesity was induced in 6- to 8-week-old Wistar rats with a local high-fat diet for 16 weeks. During 28 days, obese rats once a day, orally received E. mollis extract at different doses (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight), or atorvastatin (reference drug at 10 mg/kg bw). During the treatment, body weight was recorded every week, and the food and water intakes every two days. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed under anaesthesia, after 12 hours of fasting. White adipose tissues (visceral, subcutaneous and peritesticular fats) and carcass were collected and weighted. Serum and liver were collected for biochemical estimations of lipid parameters. E. mollis aqueous extract at the doses used, significantly (p E. mollis aqueous extract could have anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic properties and improve arterial health, thus justifying its empirical use in the treatment of obesity.