Modulatory Effects of Artocarpus altilis Leaf Extract on Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers in Obesity

Obesity is a pathological condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation, which significantly increases the risk of developing metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Arthocarpus altilis leaf extract on insulin, DPP4, GLP-1, IL-1β, and CRP levels in obese rats. We employed a quasi-experimental design using 25 male Sprague Dawley rats, all induced with obesity via a high-fat diet for 10-12 weeks. The rats were divided into five groups: a negative control (NC) receiving a high-fat diet and vehicle only, a positive control treated with metformin (PC) at doses 45 mg/kg, and three groups treated with A. altilis extract at doses of 200 mg/kg (EA1), 300 mg/kg (EA2), and 400 mg/kg (EA3). Biomarker levels were measured using the ELISA method. The results showed there were significant differences among groups for all biomarkers (p < 0.001). The extract had a dose-dependent effect, progressively increasing insulin and GLP-1 levels while reducing DPP4, IL-1β, and CRP levels. The highest dose (EA3) produced effects on insulin, GLP-1, and CRP that were comparable to metformin. Notably, the EA3 group demonstrated a stronger DPP4-inhibitory effect than metformin. The anti-inflammatory effect on IL-1β and CRP was most pronounced at the highest dose, suggesting a therapeutic threshold. A. altilis extract effectively modulates key biomarkers of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, with the highest dose showing efficacy comparable to or exceeding the standard drug, metformin. These findings position A. altilis extract as a promising natural therapeutic agent for managing obesity-related metabolic complications.