Harnessing The Therapeutic Potential of Choraka (Angelica glauca Edgew.): A Herbal Alternative For Obesity In An In Vitro Model

Abstract

Aim- The study aims to evaluate the hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential of Angelica glauca Edgew. (Choraka) root and leaf extracts using an in vitro model with Caco-2 cells, a human intestinal epithelial cell line. Objective- To assess the ability of A. glauca extracts to reduce lipid accumulation, triglyceride content, and oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells, providing insights into their potential as natural therapeutic agents for metabolic disorders such as obesity and hyperlipidaemia. Methods- Hydroalcoholic extracts of A. glauca roots and leaves were prepared and tested for cytotoxicity using the MTT assay, establishing safe concentrations of 10 and 25µg/mL. Lipotoxicity and oxidative stress were induced in Caco-2 cells, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified using the DCFH-DA assay. Lipid accumulation and triglyceride content were also measured to determine the metabolic benefits of these extracts. Results- The root extracts demonstrated superior lipid-lowering effects, significantly reducing lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in treated cells. Meanwhile, leaf extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant properties, markedly decreasing ROS levels. Both extracts showed promising metabolic benefits, reinforcing their traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine. Conclusion- The study highlights A. glauca's potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders by effectively modulating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. Root extracts may be more effective in lipid regulation, hence in obesity while leaf extracts show stronger antioxidant activity. These findings support further in vivo and clinical investigations to validate its efficacy and safety in human applications.