Role of crataegus (hawthorn) extract on obesity in hyperlipidemic albino rats

Background: obesity is on the rise globally and needs measures to maintain optimal body weight as to avoid complications such as diabetes mellitus,hypertension,dyslipidaemia,ischaemic heart disease infertility,sleep aponea,cancer and osteoarthritis. crataegus monogyna can help in losing weight by reversing metabolic alterations that cause increased synthesis and storage of fat. study design: it is a case-controlled interventional study of eight weeks. sample: 60 adult male albino rats weighing about 250-300g divided randomly into three groups a,b,and c. result: crataegus is effective in lowering body weight. conclusion: crataegus shows tremendous potential as natural weight lowering agent,devoid of side effects. there is scope of further study and use of this 'miracle herb' as anti obesity agent.