The non-conventional edible plant foroba (Parkia biglobosa) has anti-obesity effect, improves lipid peroxidation and reverses colon and hippocampal lesions in healthy and obese rats

Abstract

We evaluated the Parkia biglobosa pulp (PB) effects on food intake, body composition and oxidative and inflammatory parameters related to gut and brain of rats. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were randomised into four groups: healthy (HG), obese (OG); and healthy (HPB) and obese (OPB) groups with PB (400 mg/kg body weight). The rats consumed a control or cafeteria diet for 16 weeks. Body weight, food intake, bacteria count, organic acids in faeces were quantified. NF-κB and oxidative parameters were evaluated in the colon and hippocampus. PB contains fibres, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, catechin, and myricetin. PB treatment decreased fat mass and energy intake; increased the count of lactic acid bacteria and faecal organic acids, improved lipid peroxidation and reversed colon and hippocampal lesions, with reduction the NF-κB in OPB colon. PB has anti-obesity effect with potential to modulation gut-brain axis, mainly via blocking the activation of NF-κB.

Keywords

• Foroba
• Obesity
• Polyphenols
• African locust bean
• Non-conventional foods
• Functional foods