Protective Efects of Fagonia cretica L. Extract in Cafeteria Diet Induced Obesity in Wistar Rats Divyang Patel 1, 2* , Vimal Kumar 3 1 Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad - 382481, Gujarat, India; divspatel87@gmail.com 2 Pioneer Pharmacy Degree College, Vadodara - 390019, Gujarat, India 3 ITM School of Pharmacy, ITM Universe, Paldi, Vadodara - 391510, Gujarat, India *Author for correspondence JOURNAL OF NATURAL REMEDIES DOI: 10.18311/jnr/2020/25223 1. Introduction Obesity is a cosmetic disorder described as proximal or immoderate fat accumulation in adipose tissue along with major indispensable organs like heart, liver & skeletal muscles. It is considered as a signifcant hazard factor to the wellbeing and prosperity of human beings 1 . In majority of cases drug treatment of obesity is related with bounce back weight increase afer the suspension of medication admission, adverse efects caused by medicine and potential for sedate maltreatment 2 . Fagonia cretica L. (Zygophyllaceae) is a small vertical spiked undershrub with slim branches, terete striates, inadequately glandular puberulous Article Received on: 22.04.2020 Accepted on: 11.08.2020 RESEARCH ARTICLE growing annually mainly in north-west regions of India 3 . In traditional medicine, this plant is mentioned for anti-bilious, antiseptic and blood purifying actions. Internally, it is used in the form of decoction, as a gargle in stomatitis and other diseases of the mouth; externally its paste is applied to boils, wounds and scrofulous glands 4 . In Indo-Pak subcontinent region this plant is used for the treatment of typhoid, scabies, fever, asthma, urinary discharges, bronchitis, tumors, liver problems, piles and digestive disorders 5 - 6 . Preliminary phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of favonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, coumarins and glycosides in diferent extracts of powdered plant material 7 - 8 . Various in vivo and/or in vitro experiments showed a wide range of pharmacological actions of Revised on: 27.07.2020 Abstract Obesity is one of the major life style disorders which may lead to undesirable effects on cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and insulin resistance and eventually increases the risk of various adverse conditions like ischemic heart disease, stroke, coronary artery disease & type 2 diabetes. The present investigation was undertaken to explore protective effects of aerial parts of Fagonia cretica L. extract in cafeteria diet induced obesity in Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats were provided with cafeteria diet (CD) for the period of 10 weeks to induce obesity. Fagonia cretica L. methanolic extracts (200 & 400 mg/kg) & standard drug orlistat (30 mg/kg) were administered for last 6 weeks along with the continuation of CD. Various primary metabolic indicators of obesity like daily food consumption, body weight, lipid profile, fecal fat content & fat pads were studied. Administration of methanolic extract of Fagonia cretica L. significantly stopped increase in daily food consumption & body weight gain as compared to obese control group. Improvement in lipid profile was also observed in the all treatment groups rats as compared to obese control group rats. Obtained results validate that supplementation of Fagonia cretica L. methanolic extracts in obese rats resulted in significant protection against various indicators of obesity. Keywords: Cafeteria Diet, Fagonia cretica L. Lipid Profile, Obesity