The role of plant-derived compounds in anti-obesity drug discovery: A molecular perspective

Obesity is a complex and multifaceted disease associated with metabolic diseases and severe health problems worldwide. There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies since the currently available treatment options are often ineffective or cause adverse effects. Since they can modulate crucial biochemical pathways,phytochemicals, which are plant-derived compounds, provide a promising approach to the design of anti-obesity drugs. Such ways through which these substances work are preventing adipogenesis, regulating lipid metabolism, dropping inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and reestablishing energy balance. These are some of the main topics of this review. Numerous phytochemicals have emerged as auspicious agents targeting adipocytes, gut bacteria, and essential enzymes elaborate in metabolic pathways associated to obesity, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenes. Additional preclinical and clinical data testify to the rationality of these molecules toward their intended therapy aims. Prospects for incorporating phytochemicals into treatment plans for obesity are deliberated next, along with potential synergistic effects of plant bioactives and allegations for polyherbal formulations.