Marouane El Arbaoui

Ibn Tofail University, Morocco

Abstract Title:

Evaluation of the Anti-diabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Ziziphus jujuba (Mill.) Leaf Extract in Male Wistar Rats

Research Interests:

Obesity is a major global health concern closely associated with oxidative stress and metabolic disorders. The exploration of natural products with anti-obesity and antioxidant properties has gained increasing interest as alternative therapeutic approaches. Ziziphus jujuba (Mill.) is a medicinal plant traditionally recognized for its nutritional and pharmacological benefits; however, its potential role in obesity management remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo anti-obesity and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf extract of Z. jujuba in male Wistar rats. Obesity was induced through a high-fructose diet, after which animals were treated orally with the plant extract for four weeks. Body weight, food intake, and adiposity indices were monitored throughout the experimental period. Antioxidant status was assessed by measuring oxidative stress biomarkers, while biochemical parameters related to lipid metabolism and organ function were evaluated at the end of the study. Results showed a significant reduction in body weight gain and improvement in lipid profile in extract-treated rats compared to obese controls. Additionally, antioxidant markers indicated enhanced oxidative defense, suggesting a protective effect against obesity-induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, methanolic extract of Ziziphus jujuba leaves exhibits promising anti-obesity and antioxidant activities in male Wistar rats, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for obesity management. Further studies are warranted to elucidate underlying mechanisms and identify active compounds. Keywords: Ziziphus jujuba, anti-obesity activity, antioxidant activity, male Wistar rats, methanolic extract, oxidative stress, lipid profile, metabolic disorders.