Analysis of ellagic acid response in Naphelium lappaceum peel extract in the obesity rat model

Open

Lisdiana Lisdiana, Djuna Lamondo, Annisaa Basar, Nugrahaningsih Wh, Mirtaati Naimah, Yofi Ersyada Damayanti, Amalia Wilda Aulia, Fitria Salsabila

2026 Biosaintifika Vol. 18 Issue 1 Article Cited by 0

Abstract

Naphelium lappaceum L or Rambutan in Indonesian, fruit peel has been identified as a potential source of polyphenolic compounds, including ellagic acid, geraniin, and corilagin. Ellagic acid has been reported to have strong antioxidant activity, inhibit adipogenesis, increase lipid oxidation, and reduce plasma lipid concentrations in obese animal models. This study aimed to analyze the response of ellagic acid contained in N. lappaceum peel extract on lipid profiles and liver histology in obese rat models. Twenty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: normal (P1), obese (P2), ellagic acid (P3), O-RPE (Obese rats treated with RPE) 15 mg/kgBW (P4), and O-RPE 30 mg/kgBW (P5). Treatment was administered for 30 days. The results showed that administration of ellagic acid and RPS (O-RPE) significantly improved metabolic parameters in obese rats. ANOVA analysis revealed lower LDL (p < 0.05), reduced triglycerides, and improved liver histology scores in treatment groups compared to the obese control, while other parameters showed favorable but non-significant trends. In conclusion, ellagic acid in RPE demonstrates potential as a herbal anti-obesity agent by improving lipid profiles and liver tissue structure. This research highlights the innovative use of N. lappaceum peel as a source of bioactive compounds for obesity management, an area that remains underexplored. This research supports SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by offering natural interventions for obesity, and SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable use of agricultural waste. © 2026, Universitas Negeri Semarang. All rights reserved.

Affiliations

Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, 50229, Indonesia; Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Department of Biology, Universitas Negeri, Gorontalo, 96128, Indonesia; Faculty of Education, Department of Educational and Foundations Humanities, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia; Department of Biology Education, UIN Walisongo Semarang, Semarang, 50185, Indonesia