@article {1398, title = {Exploring the Role of Phytoconstituents for Endocrine Disorder: A Review}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {April 2025}, pages = {402-410}, type = {Review Article }, chapter = {402}, abstract = {

The endocrine system consists of various glands responsible for secreting hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and other physiological processes. Disruptions in this system, termed endocrine disorders, are linked to numerous health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. Moreover, the significance of factors such as life stage, gender and dietary habits in influencing health risks associated with endocrine disruption cannot be overstated. Synthetic medications for these conditions often have adverse side effects like hypoglycemia and heart complications, highlighting the need for alternative treatments. Herbal and natural remedies have shown promise in managing these disorders due to their lower toxicity and minimal side effects. Phytochemicals and poly-herbal therapies are emerging as effective strategies for addressing endocrine and metabolic disorders, influencing molecular targets like AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) and Nuclear factor erythroid-2- related factor (Nrf2). Specific disorders such as diabetes, Addison{\textquoteright}s disease, and hyperthyroidism are characterized by hormone imbalances, with molecular mechanisms involving insulin resistance, cortisol dysregulation, and thyroid dysfunction. Additionally, the role of factors such as life stage, gender, and dietary habits in modulating endocrine disruption-associated health risks is crucial. Natural products, including flavonoids, catechins, resveratrol, and terpenes, are being explored for their therapeutic potential in regulating hormone levels and improving metabolic health.

}, keywords = {AMPK, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Endocrine system, Herbal medicine, Hormone imbalance, Metabolic disorders, Natural Products, Obesity, Phytochemicals}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252070}, author = {Shweta Bhandari and Rahul Trivedi and Vishal Garg and Ajay Saini and Manish Gupta and Ram Singh} } @article {1501, title = {Network Pharmacology Approach to Determine the Molecular Mechanism of Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica L.) in the Treatment of Obesity}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {September 2025}, pages = {1274-1280}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1274}, abstract = {

Background: The state of excessive bodily fat buildup is known as obesity (Sthoulya). Anti-obesity drugs in the market might cause adverse effects, for safer and more effective anti-obesity medications from plant-based sources becomes a top focus. In Ayurveda, Chitraka moola (Plumbago zeylanica L.) is a commonly used herb, because of its therapeutic effect. Network pharmacology is an area of drug discovery and development research by creating an opportunity for the methodical study of conventional treatments. This study highlights key phytochemicals, targets and signalling pathways of Chitraka for the treatment of obesity. Materials and Methods: This study assessed through biological databases, GeneCard, HPA databases, PPI Network Construction, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, target-Compound-Pathway{\textquoteright} Network Construction and Molecular Docking Analysis. Results: Using the BindingDB and Uniprot databases, pinpointed 155 target genes with respect to these 28 active phytochemicals, Curated gene-disease data were extracted from the GeneCard and HPA databases based on the term obesity it was found that 26 out of the 28 drugs target exactly 137 disease targets linked to obesity, Using the String database, a PPI network was built. KEGG functional enrichment analysis to investigate the signalling pathways was carried out using SHINYGO database, Cytoscape was used to build the interaction relationship between 15 significantly enriched KEGG pathways, 137 intersecting targets and 26 core active ingredients, Molecular Docking visualises the binding pose with the highest docking score. Conclusion: This study emphasizes crucial mechanism, target and bioactive of Chitraka against obesity, indicating a strong pharmacological foundation for additional clinical research.

}, keywords = {Chitraka moola, Lupeol, Network pharmacology, Obesity, Plambago zeylanica, Sthoulya, β-sitosterol}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252331}, author = {Prabhakar Basappa Hegade and Praveen Nagappa Bhirdi and Ajit Lingayat} } @article {1508, title = {Pharmacological Review of Anti-Obesity Herbs from Chakradatta: Insights and Mechanisms}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {September 2025}, pages = {1148-1162}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {1148}, abstract = {

Background: Obesity has become a major global health crisis, significantly increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, while placing a considerable economic burden on healthcare systems. Its prevalence has more than tripled between 1975 and 2022. With growing concerns over the side effects of synthetic anti-obesity drugs, traditional medicinal herbs are gaining attention for their safer and multi-targeted therapeutic potential. Aim: This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic herbs in obesity management by examining their roles in modulating key molecular mechanisms associated with lipid metabolism. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted focusing on anti-obesity herbs mentioned in the "Sthoulya" chapter of the classical Ayurvedic text Chakradatta. Databases such as PubMed were searched using keywords and MeSH terms including {\textquotedblleft}Ayurvedic herbs{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}anti-obesity.{\textquotedblright} Studies published between 2007 and 2024 were screened for in vivo and in vitro evidence related to the mechanisms of action of these herbs. Clinical trials, case studies, and articles with methodological limitations were excluded. Results: This study explores the impact of 34 Ayurvedic herbs on lipid metabolism and their potential in managing obesity. The herbs evaluated include Embelia ribes, Hordeum vulgare, Phyllanthus emblica, Cyperus rotundus, Piper longum, Aegle marmelos, Premna Serratifolia, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Plumbago zeylanica, Adhatoda zeylanica, Ziziphus mauritiana, Acorus calamus, Alstonia scholaris, Aconitum heterophyllum, Azadirachta indica, Citrullus colocynthis, Saussurea lappa, Brassica campestris, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Commiphora wightii, Acacia catechu, Piper nigrum, Cuminum cyminum, Moringa oleifera, Picrorhiza kurroa, Coriandrum sativum, Mangifera indica, Punica granatum, Foeniculum vulgare, Tinospora cordifolia, Elettaria cardamomum, Juniperus communis. These herbs demonstrate a wide range of mechanisms in lipid metabolism regulation, such as inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing lipolysis, regulating appetite, promoting thermogenesis, and improving fat oxidation. Their multi-targeted actions highlight their potential as effective natural agents in the management of obesity. Conclusion: Ayurvedic herbs offer promising multi-targeted approaches for managing obesity. Further scientific validation and clinical studies are essential to establish their efficacy and integrate them into modern therapeutic frameworks.

}, keywords = {Adipose tissues, Obesity, Pathways, Sthoulya}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20250135}, author = {Arushi Saroch and Giramalla Patil and Swapnil Yashwant Chaudhari and Pramod Yadav and Galib Ruknuddin and Pradeep Kumar Prajapati} } @article {1018, title = {Preliminary Assessment of Glycemic Control and Body Fat Reduction Effects of Terminalia chebula Retz. Extract on Pre-diabetic Subjects}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {December 2021}, pages = {5-11}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {5}, abstract = {

Background: Terminalia chebula Retz. (Combretaceae) is a medicinal herb using in traditional medicine worldwide and has hypoglycemic effects in animal models. Objectives: The present study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to study the effect of T. chebula fruit water extract (TFWE) in pre-diabetic subjects. The efficacy of TFWE and placebo were compared in terms of reducing fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, body mass indexes (BMI), body circumferences and skinfold thicknesses. Adverse events of TFWE intervention were also investigated. Materials and Methods: TFWE was phytochemically quantitated by HPLC analysis and its inhibitory action on alpha-glucosidase. In a clinical study, 80 pre-diabetic healthy subjects were classified according to BMI as normal weight and overweight and each group was further divided into 2 groups. The treatment group received 2 capsules of TFWE 500 mg, 2 times per day, before meals for 8 weeks and the control group received 2 placebo capsules, taken orally as the treatment group. Data was collected at week 0, 4 and 8 of the study. Results: For overweight participants receiving TFWE, the mean FBS levels were significantly lower than that of the placebo group (p = 0.026) at week 8. Visceral fat levels also showed a significant reduction (p = 0.039) compared to the placebo group. TFWE dispensation did not show serious adverse events. Conclusion: The administration of 2,000 mg TFWE per day was considered safe for the pre-diabetic healthy subjects with benefits in obesity management.

}, keywords = {Diabetes, Fasting blood sugar, Obesity, Terminalia, Visceral fat.}, doi = {10.5530/pres.14.1.2}, url = {https://phcogres.com/fulltext/v14i1/105530pres1412.html}, author = {Sansanee Sombattera and Bunleu Sungthong and Prasoborn Rinthong} } @article {391, title = {Ameliorative Effect of Curcumin on Olanzapine-induced Obesity in Sprague-Dawley Rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {July 2017}, pages = {247-252}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {247}, abstract = {

Objective: To evaluate the effect of curcumin on olanzapine-induced obesity in rats. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used for experiments. The animals were divided into six groups, namely, normal control, olanzapine control, betahistine (10 mg/kg), and curcumin 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg treated groups. Except the normal control group, all other animals were administered with olanzapine 4 mg/kg intraperitoneally to induce obesity. The drugs were administered once daily, per oral for 28 days. During the experiment, body weight changes and behavior alterations were monitored at regular intervals. At the end of the experiment, blood sample was collected from all the experimental animals for biochemical analysis. Part of the liver and kidney tissues was harvested from the sacrificed animals and preserved in neutral formalin for histopathological studies. Results: Curcumin showed a significant reduction in olanzapine-induced body weight gain on the rats and improved the locomotor effects. The effect of curcumin on olanzapine-induced body weight gain is not comparable with that of betahistine. Conclusion: This study has shown metabolic alteration effect of curcumin on olanzapine, an antipsychotic drug, treated SD rats.

}, keywords = {Betahistine, Curcumin, Obesity, Olanzapine}, doi = {10.4103/pr.pr_8_17}, author = {Subramani Parasuraman and Khor Ming Zhen and Urmila Banik and Parayil Varghese Christapher} }