HIBISCUS INCREASES FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND THE ANTI-OBESITY EFFECT IN TRAINED OBESE RATS

EL HIBISCUS AUMENTA LA CAPACIDAD FUNCIONAL Y EL EFECTO ANTIOBESIDAD EN RATAS OBESAS ENTRENADAS

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hs) has been widely used for weight loss and in the fight against obesity-associated comorbidities.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of Hs and physical training on the functional capacity of normal-weight and obese rats.

Methods

Wistar rats were distributed into eight experimental groups: control (C, n = 8) , Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Hs, n = 8), high-intensity interval training (IT, n = 8), high-intensity interval training + Hibiscus Sabdariffa (ITHs, n = 8), obese (O, n = 8), obese + continuous aerobic training (OAT, n = 8), obese + Hibiscus Sabdariffa (OHs, n = 8), , and obese + continuous aerobic training + Hibiscus Sabdariffa (OATHs, n = 8). Hibiscus Sabdariffa extract was administered for 60 days in a dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight. The maximum progressive effort test (MPET) was performed on a treadmill at the beginning and end of the study. The variables analyzed were maximum speed V_máx time, and distance covered. Lactate was measured immediately after the MPET. Functional capacity was evaluated by the distance/adiposity index. The ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc and Pearson’s correlation tests were used at a 5% significance level.

Results

After both types of training, moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity interval performed on the treadmill, final body weight, weight gain, and the adiposity index decreased, and V_max, time, and distance covered in the MPET increased, in addition to an improvement in functional capacity. Hs supplementation reduced the adiposity index in normal-weight and obese rats. Hs associated with aerobic training reduced final body weight and increased functional capacity.

Conclusion

Hs supplementation promoted a reduction in the adiposity index in normal-weight and obese rats and an increase in the functional capacity of trained obese rats. Level of Evidence III; Therapeutic Studies - Outcome Investigation. Case study – control.

Hibiscus; High-intensity interval training; Endurance training; Obesity; Exercise test