Impact of Peganum harmala/Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Thyroid and Pancreatic Function in Obese Rats: A Biochemical and Physiological Analysis

Mervat Abdelsattar, Youssef Elseady, Ahmed Hendawy, Abd A. Diab, Walaa Awadin and Mamdouh Eldesoqui

Background and Objective: Obesity is widespread in both developed and developing nations and it is one of the major risk factors for diseases like diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Peganum harmala (P. harmala) is considered as an effective anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic agent. This study examined how the methanolic extract of harmala nanoparticle extract affects the alterations in diabetic state and thyroid hormone levels in obese rats induced by a high-calorie diet. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 male rats were divided into two groups (obese and normal), each of which was further divided into 3 sub-groups. Obesity was induced with a high-calorie diet for one month. Harmal zinc oxide nanoparticles (H/ZnO NPs) 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt/day were administered orally for one month. After 4 weeks of treatment, blood and tissue samples were collected and analyzed for glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile, thyroid hormones and pancreas histology. Results: It showed that the treatment with H/ZnO NPs in obese rats significantly reduced blood glucose and increased insulin levels, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity and decreased cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, indicating a better lipid profile. Additionally, H/ZnO NPs partially corrected hypothyroidism by increasing T3 and T4 levels and even improved pancreatic islet morphology compared to untreated rats. Conclusion: The supplementation of H/ZnO NPs has a strong anti-obesity effect in rats by improving glucose utilization and enhancing the secretion of thyroid and pancreatic hormones.

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