The Effect of 6 Weeks Aerobic Training and Aqueous Extract of Caraway Seed (Carum Carvi) on the Expression of CTRP12 Gene, Body Weight Changes and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Obese Male Rats: An Experimental Study

Caraway (Carum carvi) is one of the medicinal plants which is traditionally used for weight loss. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of 6 weeks aerobic training and aqueous extract of caraway seed (carum carvi) on expression of CTRP12 gene, body weight changes and subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese male rats.

In this experimental study, 24 fat male rats were provided a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce obesity, following which they were divided randomly into four groups: 1. high-fat control diet, 2. high-fat diet+ exercise, 3. high-fat diet+caraway, 4. high-fat diet+exercise+caraway. The training groups performed aerobic exercise 5 days in week for 6 weeks (approximately 50-70% VO2max). Relative expression of CTRP12 mRNA was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), body weight changes and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test.

Relative expression of CTRP12 mRNA significantly increased after 6 weeks of aerobic training and consumption of carum carvi extract in group 4 compared to groups 1 and 3, in group 1 compared to group 2, and animal weight and subcutaneous fat weight in groups 4, 3 and 2 significantly decreased compared to group 1.

Considering the results of the present study, it is recommended to use moderate aerobic exercise and carum carvi to reduce the risk of obesity and weight.