Investigating the Preventive Effects of Oral Consumption of Dactylorhiza Maculate (Salep) Hydro-alcoholic Extract on Appetite and Body Weight in Male Rats

Obesity is the result of positive energy balance in which various hormones and neurotransmitters are involved. Using Dietary supplements is a common and popular method to lose weight. Medicinal plants with specific effects on metabolizing enzymes, blocking adipogenesis, and improving energy metabolism can be a suitable alternative to these supplements. In this study, the role of hydro-alcoholic extract of Dactylorhiza maculate (Salep) plant on obesity and its related hormones and antioxidants was investigated. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, Sham, and Salep extract (three doses): 80, 160, and 320 mg/kg. The extract was fed by gavage for 29 days. After the 29^th day, blood and tissue samples were taken. Rats' ELISA kits were used to measure adiponectin, obestatin, resistin, orexin-A, insulin, epinephrine, Agouti Related Neuropeptide (AgRP), omentin, chemerin, amylin, neuropeptide-Y (NPY), and ghrelin. In addition, we measured leptin, cholecystokinin (CCK), antioxidants, and lipid profile factors. Evaluation of weight changes showed that Salep extract helped the animals to lose weight significantly in the 160 and 320 mg/kg Salep groups. Leptin, adiponectin, AgRP, obestatin, CCK, chemerin, adiponectin, and total antioxidants displayed a significant increase compared to the control group. In contrast, ghrelin, omentin, resistin, NPY, amylin, orexin-A, epinephrine, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased in the Salep groups. The lipid profile was also affected by the extract. These findings suggest that the Salep extract prevents appetite, reduces ghrelin, and affects digestive factors; the Salep extract can change the secretory factors of adipose tissue and lipid profile and ultimately help to lose weight.