MOLECULAR EVALUATION OF A NELUMBO NUCIFERA NANOFORMULATION IN HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED OBESITY THROUGH ADIPOGENIC, INFLAMMATORY, AND METABOLIC GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS

Abstract

Obesity is a major metabolic disorder associated with dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and altered gene expression. The present study investigated the anti-obesity potential of a Nelumbo nucifera leaf nanoemulsion in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rat model. The nanoemulsion was prepared by the ultrasonication method and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. HFD-fed rats were treated with low- and high-dose nanoemulsion, while Orlistat served as the standard drug. Treatment significantly reduced body weight gain, improved serum lipid profile, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased lipid peroxidation, and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with the HFD control group. Histopathological examination revealed marked improvement in hepatic and adipose tissue architecture following nanoemulsion treatment. RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated downregulation of adipogenic and inflammatory genes and restoration of metabolic gene expression. Overall, Nelumbo nucifera nanoemulsion exhibited potent anti-obesity activity through modulation of adipogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic signalling pathways, highlighting its promise as a phytopharmaceutical candidate for obesity management.