Effect of Caralluma fimbriata Hydroalcoholic Extraction on Olanzapine-Induced Hyperphagia and Metabolic Changes in Rats

Background: Olanzapine an atypical antipsychotic, is known to cause metabolic side effects such as weight gain, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress, contributing to the development of metabolic syndrome. Caralluma fimbriata a traditional plant has shown potential in regulating weight and improving lipid metabolism. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Caralluma fimbriata hydro-alcoholic extract (CFE) on metabolic changes induced by olanzapine in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats (180-190g) the rats were maintained under controlled environmental conditions (22±2ºC, 12 hr light/dark cycle) with free access to standard diet and water. Following a one-week acclimatization period, they were randomly divided into five experimental groups Normal (vehicle), Olanzapine (OLZ 2 mg/kg/ day), OLZ+Caralluma fimbriata 100 mg/kg (CFE100+OLZ), OLZ+CFE 200 mg/kg (CFE200+OLZ), and OLZ + CFE 400 mg/kg (CFE400+OLZ). Treatments were administered orally for 21 days. Daily body weight and food intake were recorded. Blood was collected for lipid profile analysis. Upon sacrifice, organ weights and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Results: Co-administration of CFE with Olanzapine (OLZ) resulted in a significant reduction in OLZ-induced weight gain and hyperphagia. CFE also demonstrated positive effects on the metabolic changes, improving body weight gain compared to OLZ-only treated rats. Furthermore, CFE notably improved the lipid profile, demonstrating significant antihyperlipidemic effects. Conclusion: The hydro-alcoholic extract of Caralluma fimbriata effectively mitigates olanzapine-induced weight gain, oxidative stress and disturbances in lipid metabolism indicating its potential as an adjunctive therapy for managing olanzapine-induced metabolic side effects.