Hydroethanolic Cyperus rotundus L. extract exhibits anti-obesity property and increases lifespan expectancy in Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet

Introduction: Cyperus rotundus L. is suspected of having anti-obesity properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-obesity property of hydroethanolic C. rotundus extract (HECE) using Drosophila as a model organism. Methods: In vitro inhibition of lipase activity by C. rotundus extract was investigated. The effects of C. rotundus extract on obesity-related characteristics, including body weight, triglyceride content, and lifespan extension were evaluated in Drosophila fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The effect of the extract on the reduction of oxidative stress associated with obesity was assessed in vivo using antioxidant assays in Drosophila. Results: HECE inhibited lipase activity in vitro with an IC۵۰ of ۱۲۸.۲۴ ± ۳.۶۵ μg/mL. In vivo lipase inhibition experiments demonstrated that feeding Drosophila ۱۰ mg/mL HECE or ۲ μM orlistat lowered lipase activity by ۲۱.۵۱ (P < ۰.۰۵) and ۴۲.۸۶% (P < ۰.۰۱) and triglyceride levels by ۲۰.۶۷ (P < ۰.۰۵) and ۲۸.۳۹% (P < ۰.۰۱), respectively, compared to those of the untreated group. After ۱۰ mg/mL HECE or ۲ μM orlistat supplementation, an increase in the mean survival rate (۱۰.۵۴ (P < ۰.۰۵) and ۱۳.۹۰% (P < ۰.۰۱), respectively) and climbing ability (۲۵.۰۳ (P < ۰.۰۱) and ۲۸.۴۴% (P < ۰.۰۱), respectively) was observed compared to those of flies fed a HFD. The paraquat and H۲O۲ challenge tests revealed that flies fed HECE in a mixed HFD showed increased survival on flies fed a HFD. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the beneficial effects of dietary HECE supplementation on suppressing pancreatic lipase activity and lowering triglyceride levels and oxidative stress, leading to increased lifespan in Drosophila fed a HFD.