Preventive Effect of Ethanol Extract of Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) on Diet-induced Obese Zebrafish

Background: Nowadays obesity recognized as chronic or non-communicable disease. Pathophysiology of obesity caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Obesity was known to be a risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate activity of ethanol extract of red spinach (EERS) to prevent obesity in diet-induced zebrafish.

Materials and Methods: Acclimatization period for zebrafish was carried out for 2 weeks. After the acclimatization, zebrafish were divided into 6 groups (n = 10 in each group) such as normal group (negative control); obese group (positive control); standard drug (orlistat 4,5 µg/ml); EERS group (50 µg/ml); EERS group (100 µg/ml); and EERS group (200 µg/ml). During a period of 4 weeks, normal group received a standard diet and didn’t received EERS administration. Positive control group received Artemia. Treated group received Artemia and were combined by administration of EERS. To determine obesity criteria we calculated of zebrafish BMI.

Results: Based on BMI calculation, EERS 50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml showed a preventive effect on obesity compared to the positive control group. In addition, EERS 50 µg/ml was able to reduce BMI lower than the other extract groups.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that EERS 50 µg/ml has strength preventive effect on diet-induced obese zebrafish. This effect might be influenced by the presence of phytochemical compounds of extract such as flavonoid, saponins, and tannins.