Comparative Assessment of the Effect of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Ethanolic Extract, Aqueous Extract and Essential Oil in High Fat Diet and Fructose Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Background: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is widely used as a folklore medication for treating obesity and diabetes. The present study evaluates the comparative effect of ethanolic and aqueous extract and essential oil of lemongrass on various conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: High fat diet and fructose (20% w/v) were given for 60 days to induce the metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats. Body weight and BMI were assessed weekly and fasting blood sugar was estimated at 15 days interval. Lemongrass ethanolic extract (LGEE) and aqueous extract (LGAE) were prepared and lemongrass oil (LGEO) was extracted. LGEE, LGAE and LGEO were given to the animals for 42 days. Various biochemical, hormonal and tissue parameters were assessed after completion of treatment protocol. Histopathology of pancreas and liver was performed. Results: Phytochemical analysis disseminated that total flavonoid, phenolic and alkaloid content are present in LGEE and LGAE, with maximum level of terpenoids in LGEO. Treatment of HDR with LGEE and LGEO caused significant reduction (p<0.001) while LGAE exhibited moderate reduction (p<0.01) in the body weight, BMI, and fasting blood sugar. LGEE and LGEO treatment also normalized abnormalities in serum insulin, insulin resistance, leptin, lipid profile and CRP level in hyperlipidaemic diabetic rats. A significant (p<0.001) level of reduction in liver enzymes and improvement in oxidative stress parameters was observed after treatment with LGEE and LGEO. Histopathology showed improved histoarchitecture after treatment. Conclusion: Results concluded that administration of LGEE and LGEO exhibited better protection in conditions associated with metabolic syndrome than LGAE.