The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of ephedra on the body weight changes in male wistar rats

Introduction: Drugs and supplements containing ephedra extract have been always noticed by researchers as a plant known for weight loss and control. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ephedra hydroalcoholic extract on serum adiponectin level and body weight in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 5 equal groups including: control (without receiving any substances), sham (receiving 1 mL of distilled water), experimental group 1 (recipient of 250 mg/kg ephedra hydroalcoholic extract), experimental group 2 (recipient of 500 mg/kg ephedra hydroalcoholic extract) and experimental group 3 (recipient of 1000 mg/kg ephedra hydroalcoholic extract). In the experimental groups, the extract was administered by gavage for 28 days. On the 29th day, blood samples were taken from the rats to check the serum levels of the hormone adiponectin. Body weight of rats was also measured daily during the experimental period. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS software and Duncan test. Results: Doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of ephedra hydroalcoholic extract caused a significant increase in serum levels of adiponectin and also a decrease in body weight compared to the control and sham groups (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Ephedra hydroalcoholic extract reduces body weight by increasing serum levels of the hormone adiponectin. Keywords: Ephedra, adiponectin, body weight, ra