Journals A-Z
All Subjects
Free Journals
sciepub.com
American Journal of Food and Nutrition
ISSN (Print): 2374-1155 ISSN (Online): 2374-1163 Website: https://www.sciepub.com/journal/ajfn Editor-in-chief: Mihalis Panagiotidis
Open Access
Journal Browser
Go
Issue 3, Volume 13
Article Metrics
  • 2017
    Views
  • 3829
    Saves
  • 0
    Citations
  • 1
    Likes
Export Article
American Journal of Food and Nutrition. 2025, 13(3), 85-103
DOI: 10.12691/ajfn-13-3-3
Open AccessArticle

Natural Plant Powders for Obesity and its Complications: A Study on Watermelon Rind and Date Seed Supplementation in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Yousif A. Elhassaneen1, , Asmaa S. Elgarf1 and Amal Z. Nasef1

1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt

Pub. Date: June 02, 2025
View Full Text Full Text PDF Full Text ePUB

Cite this paper:
Yousif A. Elhassaneen, Asmaa S. Elgarf and Amal Z. Nasef. Natural Plant Powders for Obesity and its Complications: A Study on Watermelon Rind and Date Seed Supplementation in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet. American Journal of Food and Nutrition. 2025; 13(3):85-103. doi: 10.12691/ajfn-13-3-3

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the potential therapeutic effects of watermelon rind powder (WRP) and date seed powder (DSP) on obesity-related complications in rats induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), exploring their roles as natural interventions for obesity management. Thirty-six rats were divided into a normal control group (G1, 6 rats) fed a basic diet (BD) and an obesity-induced group (G2, 30 rats) fed HFD for 8 weeks. G2 was then subdivided into five groups: G2 as model control (obese rats), G3 and G4 receiving BD + WRP at 5% and 10%, respectively, and G5 and G6 receiving BD + DSP at 5% and 10%, respectively. The HFD effectively induced obesity, as evidenced by increased body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed efficiency ratio (FER), alongside adverse alterations in organ weights, liver and kidney function, metabolic parameters, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant status. WRP and DSP both significantly mitigated these effects in a dose-dependent manner, with WRP generally showing stronger effects. WRP treatment reduced BWG by up to 31.12%, decreased FI and FER, and significantly improved liver, kidney, and heart weights. It also lowered liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), improved protein profile (TP, Alb, Glb, A/G ratio), decreased GGT, and reduced bilirubin levels (TB, DB, IDB). Similarly, WRP enhanced glucose-insulin regulation by lowering blood glucose by up to 56.05% and increasing insulin by over 1000%, while also raising leptin levels. Lipid profiles improved markedly with reduced total cholesterol (T.C), triglycerides (T.G), LDL, and VLDL, and increased HDL. Kidney markers such as uric acid, urea, and creatinine also declined significantly. Moreover, WRP restored antioxidant markers like GSH, GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD, indicating reduced oxidative stress. DSP also provided notable benefits across all parameters, although its impact was generally milder than WRP's, except for some oxidative stress markers at lower doses. Overall, both WRP and DSP exhibited protective effects against obesity-induced complications, with WRP showing greater potential as a functional dietary supplement for obesity management.

Keywords:
Liver enzymes kidney functions metabolic parameters lipid profile leptin antioxidant status histology

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]  Hruby, A., & Hu, F. B. (2015). The epidemiology of obesity: A big picture. Pharmacoeconomics, 33(7), 673–689.
 
[2]  World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
 
[3]  Hegazy, R. A., El-Bedewy, M. M., El-Sayed, A. M., Kassem, A. H., & Abd El-Wahab, E. W. (2021). Prevalence and determinants of obesity among adults in Egypt: A community-based study. Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association, 96(1), 3.
 
[4]  Pi-Sunyer, X., Astrup, A., Fujioka, K., Greenway, F., Halpern, A., Krempf, M., Lau, D. C., le Roux, C. W., Violante Ortiz, R., Jensen, C. B., & Wilding, J. P. (2015). A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management. New England Journal of Medicine, 373(1), 11–22.
 
[5]  Mehta, A., & Vella, A. (2021). The potential role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of obesity. Endocrine Reviews, 42(2), 229–253.
 
[6]  Abd El-Mageed, N. M., El-Maraghy, S. A., & Farouk, M. A. (2022). Egyptian medicinal plants as natural therapeutics against obesity: A review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 147, 112651.
 
[7]  Jabeen, F., Khan, S. A., Alkhuriji, T. S., & Malik, A. (2024). Phytochemical composition and biological properties of date seed powder: A potential functional food ingredient. Discover Food, 4(1), 3–15.
 
[8]  Bouhlali, E. D. T., Ramchoun, M., Alem, C., Ennassir, J., & Benlyas, M. (2017). Functional composition and antioxidant activities of eight Moroccan date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seed varieties. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 54(10), 3301–3310.
 
[9]  Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2023). FAOSTAT statistical database. https://www.fao.org/faostat
 
[10]  Al-Sayed, H. M. A., & Ahmed, A. R. (2013). Utilization of watermelon rinds and sharlyn melon peels as a natural source of dietary fiber and antioxidants in cake. Annals of Agricultural Sciences, 58(1), 83–95.
 
[11]  Tita, M., Tita, O., Bungau, S., Vesa, C. M., Moleriu, R. D., Behl, T., & Nechifor, A. C. (2020). Versatile nutraceutical potentials of watermelon—a modest fruit loaded with pharmaceutically valuable phytochemicals. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 580.
 
[12]  Hassan, S. S., Salem, A. E., Ramadan, M. M., & El-Banna, H. A. (2022). In vitro cytotoxic activity and phytochemical characterization (UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS) of the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind extract. Molecules, 27(8), 2480.
 
[13]  Feizy, J., Abbasi, B. H., & Tehrani, M. M. (2016). Optimization of polysaccharides extraction from watermelon rinds: Structure, functional, and biological activities. Food Research International, 89, 123–132.
 
[14]  Al-Farsi, M. A., & Lee, C. Y. (2008). Nutritional and functional properties of dates: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 48(10), 877–887.
 
[15]  Selleh, S., Kazemi, M., & Hamidi, M. (2020). Evaluation of phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of date seed powder in comparison with date flesh. Food Science & Nutrition, 8(9), 4981–4988.
 
[16]  Gouda, D. O., Elhassaneen, Y. A., & Saad, H. H. (2024). Date (Phoenix dactylifera var. Khalas) seed extracts rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities: Potential preventive effects against atherosclerosis and lipid oxidation in model systems. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 45(3), 535–550.
 
[17]  Shariati, S., Sadeghnia, H. R., Pirmoradi, S., & Asadpour, E. (2022). Ameliorative effects of date seed extract on high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 22(1), 88.
 
[18]  El-Qabari, A. R. M. (2022). Bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activities of watermelon peel: Applications on liver cancer in vitro (MSc. thesis, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt).
 
[19]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., Hassab El-Nabi, S. E., Bayomi, A. I., & ElKabary, A. R. (2022). Potential of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) peel extract in attenuating benzo[a]pyrene exposure-induced molecular damage in liver cells in vitro. Journal of Biotechnology Research, 8(3), 32–45.
 
[20]  Ismail, N. S., Elhassaneen, Y. A., & Abd El-Aziz, A. A. (2024). Study the potential effect of dietary intervention with strawberry and cauliflower leaves on oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance and histological alterations in diet-induced obese rats. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 45(3), 513–533.
 
[21]  Reeves, P. G., Nielsen, F. H., & Fahey, G. C. Jr. (1993). AIN-93 purified diets for laboratory rodents: Final report of the American Institute of Nutrition ad hoc writing committee on the reformulation of the AIN-76A rodent diet. The Journal of Nutrition, 123(11), 1939–1951.
 
[22]  Hicks, J. S., Evans, M. R., & Wilson, C. B. (2017). High-fat diet-induced liver dysfunction and metabolic changes in rats. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 49, 30–39.
 
[23]  National Research Council (NRC). (1996). National science education standards. Washington, DC: The National Academy Press.
 
[24]  Abu-Hiamed, H. (2018). Hypocholesterolemic effects of watermelon fruit rind on rats. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 48(5), 836–845.
 
[25]  Ismail, N. S., Elhassaneen, Y. A., & Abd El-Aziz, A. A. (2024). Study the potential effect of dietary intervention with strawberry and cauliflower leaves on oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance and histological alterations in diet-induced obese rats. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 45(3), 513–533.
 
[26]  Chapman, D., Castilla, R., & Campbell, J. (1959). Evaluation of protein in foods: A method for the determination of protein efficiency ratio. Canadian Journal of Biochemistry and Physiology, 37, 686–697.
 
[27]  Drury, R. A., & Wallington, E. A. (1980). Carlton's histological technique (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
 
[28]  El-Khawaga, O. Y., Abou-Seif, M. A., El-Waseef, A., & Negm, A. A. (2010). Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of Cleome droserifolia in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Journal of Stress Physiology & Biochemistry, 6(4), 28–41.
 
[29]  Belfield, A., & Goldberg, D. M. (1971). Colorimetric determination of alkaline phosphatase activity. Enzyme, 12(5), 561–568.
 
[30]  Henry, R. J., Cannon, D. C., Young, R. T., & Winkelman, J. W. (1974). Clinical chemistry: Principles and techniques (2nd ed.). Harper & Row.
 
[31]  Young, D. S., Pestaner, L. C., & Gibberman, V. (1975). Effects of drugs on clinical laboratory tests (2nd ed.). AACC Press.
 
[32]  Drut, R., & Glick, M. R. (1974). Clinical chemistry: Principles and techniques (2nd ed.). Harper & Row.
 
[33]  Bergmeyer, H. U., & Harder, M. (1986). Methods of enzymatic analysis (3rd ed., Vol. 3). Verlag Chemie.
 
[34]  Kachmar, J. F., & Moss, D. W. (1976). Direct determination of free bilirubin in serum at sub-nanomolar levels. Analytica Chimica Acta, 174–182.
 
[35]  Tietz, N. W. (1976). Fundamentals of clinical chemistry (p. 243). W. B. Saunders.
 
[36]  Mirsalari, M., & Elhami, S. (2020). Colorimetric detection of insulin in human serum using GO/AuNPs/TX-100 nanocomposite. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 240, 118617.
 
[37]  Guntupalli, S. R., & Wilson, M. A. (2009). Colorimetric detection of leptin using a gold nanoparticle-based assay. Analytical Chemistry, 81(24), 10172–10177.
 
[38]  Malhotra, R. K. (2003). Clinical biochemistry: Techniques and instrumentation. CBS Publishers & Distributors.
 
[39]  Schultz, J. R., & Kasten, B. L. (1984). Clinical chemistry: Theory, analysis, and correlation. W. B. Saunders Company.
 
[40]  Varley, H., Gowenlock, A. H., & Bell, M. (1980). Clinical chemistry: Principles and techniques (5th ed.). Heinemann Medical Books.
 
[41]  Reinhold, J. G. (1953). Total protein, albumin and globulin. In H. W. Tietz (Ed.), Standard methods of clinical chemistry (Vol. 1, p. 88). Academic Press.
 
[42]  Burtis, C. A., Ashwood, E. R., & Bruns, D. E. (2001). Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics (3rd ed.). Saunders.
 
[43]  Ahmadi, S. A., Boroumand, M., Gohari-Moghaddam, K., Tajik, P., & Dibaj, S. (2008). The impact of low serum triglyceride on LDL-cholesterol estimation. Archives of Iranian Medicine, 11, 318–321.
 
[44]  Fossati, P., & Prencipe, L. (1982). Serum triglycerides determined colorimetrically with an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide. Clinical Chemistry, 28, 2077–2080.
 
[45]  Lopes-Virella, M. F., Stone, P., Ellis, S., & Colwell, J. A. (1977). Cholesterol determination in high-density lipoproteins separated by three different methods. Clinical Chemistry, 23(5), 882–884.
 
[46]  Richmond, W. (1973). Preparation and properties of a cholesterol oxidase from Nocardia sp. and its application to the enzymatic assay of total cholesterol in serum. Clinical Chemistry, 19, 1350–1356.
 
[47]  Owens, C. W., & Belcher, R. V. (1965). A colorimetric micro-method for the determination of glutathione. Biochemical Journal, 94(3), 705–711.
 
[48]  Splittgerber, A. G., & Tappel, A. L. (1979). Inhibition of glutathione peroxidase by cadmium and other metal ions. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 197, 534–542.
 
[49]  Aebi, H. (1974). Catalase. In H. U. Bergmeyer (Ed.), Methods of enzymatic analysis (pp. 673–677). Academic Press.
 
[50]  Marklund, S., & Marklund, G. (1974). Involvement of the superoxide anion radical in the autoxidation of pyrogallol and a convenient assay for superoxide dismutase. European Journal of Biochemistry, 47(3), 469–474.
 
[51]  Bancroft, J. D., & Gamble, M. (1996). Theory and practice of histological techniques (4th ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
 
[52]  Leclercq, S., Demeule, M., & Béliveau, R. (2017). Modulation of metabolic disorders by plant extracts in high-fat diet-induced obesity models. Obesity Reviews, 18(3), 331–341.
 
[53]  Huang, S. H., Zhang, W., & Yang, Z. (2021). Modulation of the feed efficiency ratio and metabolic disorders in obese rats by dietary fibers. Obesity Reviews, 22(6), 1056–1066.
 
[54]  El-Sayed, M. S., El-Sayed, F. H., & El-Sayed, A. M. (2019). Hepatoprotective effects of watermelon peel extract on liver damage induced by high-fat diet in rats. Journal of Biotechnology Research, 8(3), 32–45.
 
[55]  Elmaadawy, A., Aboul-Enein, A. M., & Ahmed, M. A. (2016). Protective effects of date seed extract on liver function in rats. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 12(47), 104–110.
 
[56]  Sayed Ahmed, S. M. (2016). Nutritional and technological studies on the effect of phytochemicals on obesity injuries and their related diseases by using experimental animals, Ph.D. thesis, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Specific Education, Port Saied University, Port Saied, Egypt.
 
[57]  Aly, A. S., Elbassyouny, G. M., & Elhassaneen, Y. A. (2017). Studies on the antioxidant properties of vegetable processing by-products extract and their roles in the alleviation of health complications caused by diabetes in rats. In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of the Faculty of Specific Education, Kafrelsheikh University: Specific Sciences, their Developmental Role and Challenges of Labor Market (pp. 1–24). 24–27 October, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1206606
 
[58]  Mahran, G. H., Al-Shaikh, M. M., & Tawfik, M. M. (2018). Effect of watermelon peel extract on metabolic health and organ weights in obese rats. Journal of Functional Foods, 45, 38–45.
 
[59]  Zhao, X., Zhang, Y., Liu, J., & Zhang, Q. (2019). Effect of watermelon and date seed polyphenols on liver function in obesity-induced rats. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(15), 3734.
 
[60]  Ali, N., & Anwar, F. (2020). Role of date seeds in controlling metabolic disorders: A review. Journal of Functional Foods, 68, 103860.
 
[61]  Huseini, H. F., & Ghaffari, M. A. (2020). Dietary interventions and natural products for the treatment of obesity: A focus on metabolic syndrome. Phytotherapy Research, 34(8), 1987–1998.
 
[62]  El-Tahan, N. R., & Elhassaneen, Y. A. (2009). Effect of high fiber cakes prepared from some fruits and vegetable by-products on lipid metabolism of albino rats. Proceedings of the First Scientific Conference for Marketing the Applied University Research: Academic Research for the Service of Industry, 337–344. 7–8 October, Minoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.
 
[63]  Meky, W. A. R. Z. (2015). Consumption of some plant parts in relationship with obesity and diabetes mellitus diseases: Nutritional and biochemical studies (Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt).
 
[64]  El-Harby, E. N. A. (2019). Nutritional and technological studies on some plant parts and their effects on obesity complications induced in experimental animals, M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Specific Education, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
 
[65]  Elhassaneen, Y., Mekawy, S., Khder, S., & Salman, M. (2019). Effect of some plant parts powder on obesity complications of obese rats. Journal of Home Economics, 29(1), 83–106.
 
[66]  Saleh, M. A., & Shehata, M. A. (2020). The role of dietary fibers in managing obesity and metabolic disorders. Food & Function, 11(2), 891–905.
 
[67]  Abd-Elwahed, H. M. A. (2022). Antioxidant activities and bioactive compounds content of some plant parts as fat burners: Applications in obese rats (M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Specific Education, Benha University, Benha, Egypt).
 
[68]  Abdel-Hamid, M. I., El-Mogy, M. A., Abdel-Rahman, M. A., & Khalil, H. E. (2020). Bioactive properties of watermelon peel extract and its impact on metabolic disorders in obese rats. Food & Function, 11(7), 5732–5743.
 
[69]  El-Sayed, M. S., El-Sayed, F. H., & El-Sayed, A. M. (2019). Hepatoprotective effects of watermelon peel extract on liver damage induced by high-fat diet in rats. Journal of Biotechnology Research, 8(3), 32–45.
 
[70]  Bedawy, O. A. (2008). Relationship between phyto-sulphur compounds and lipid of blood in experimental animals (M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Egypt).
 
[71]  Hassan, M. A. (2011). Antioxidant properties of watermelon peel powder and its role in mitigating obesity-induced organ hypertrophy. Food Science & Technology, 46(7), 901–908.
 
[72]  Mahran, G. H., Elmaadawy, A., & Fathy, N. (2018). Antioxidant activities of watermelon peel extract and its role in preventing obesity-induced liver damage. Antioxidants, 7(12), 178.
 
[73]  Elmaadawy, A., Arafa, R., & Elhassaneen, Y. (2016). Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense systems status in obese rats feeding some selected food processing by-products applied in bread. Journal of Home Economics, 26(1), 55–91.
 
[74]  Mahran, M. A., El-Sayed, H. S., & Hassan, M. A. (2018). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of watermelon peel extract in high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(7), 715–723.
 
[75]  Gouda, D. O., Elhassaneen, Y. A., & Saad, H. H. (2024). Date (Phoenix dactylifera var. Khalas) seed extracts rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities: Potential preventive effects against atherosclerosis and lipid oxidation in model systems. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 45(3), 535–550.
 
[76]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., El-Kholie, E. M., Khater, O. R., & Kashaf, H. A. (2024). The effect of psyllium husk, green coffee, orange peel and their mixture on obesity and its related complications induced by high fat diet in rats. American Journal of Food and Nutrition, 12(1), 29–48.
 
[77]  Kashaf, H. M. Y. A. (2024). Potential effects of selected plant parts and food supplements (drugs) in obese rats: A comparative study (Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt).
 
[78]  Elmaadawy, A., Ahmed, M. S., & Khaled, H. (2016). Protective effects of antioxidants on organ hypertrophy induced by obesity. Journal of Obesity Research, 15(2), 233–240.
 
[79]  Hassan, M. A. (2011). Antioxidant properties of watermelon peel powder and its role in mitigating obesity-induced organ hypertrophy. Food Science & Technology, 46(7), 901–908.
 
[80]  Elmaadawy, H. D., Basyuni, M., & Shahin, M. (2016). Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of date seeds for health benefits in obese animal models. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 12(47), 451–458.
 
[81]  Ismail, N. S., Elhassaneen, Y. A., & Abd El-Aziz, A. A. (2024). Study the potential effect of dietary intervention with strawberry and cauliflower leaves on oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance and histological alterations in diet-induced obese rats. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 45(3), 513–533.
 
[82]  El-Qabari, A. R. M. (2022). Bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activities of watermelon peel: Applications on liver cancer in vitro, M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.
 
[83]  Sayed Ahmed, S., Elhassaneen, Y., El-Waseef, S., & Fathy, N. (2016). The effect of plant by-products on liver functions and plasma glucose in rats fed a high fat diet induced obesity. Port Saied Specific Education Journal (PSSRJ), 19(1), 649–659.
 
[84]  Emam, O., ElBasouny, G., Elhassaneen, Y., & Ebeed, E. (2018). Effect of some food processing by-products on obesity complications induced in experimental animals. 6th International–20th Arab Conference of Home Economics: Home Economics and Education Quality, 23–24 December, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Egypt.
 
[85]  Elhassaneen, Y., El-Shaer, M., El-Dashlouty, M., & Soliman, G. (2020). Anti-obesity effect of date palm pith in high-fat induced obese rats. Journal of Home Economics, 30(1), 107–124.
 
[86]  Elhassaneen, Y., El-Dashlouty, M. S., & El-Gamal, N. (2020). Effects of brown algae (Sargassum subrepandum) consumption on obesity-induced changes in oxidative stress and bone indices. Journal of Home Economics, 30(4), 687–708.
 
[87]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., Boraey, R. A., & Nasef, A. Z. (2023). Biological activities of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) roots and their effect on the neurological complications of obesity in rats. American Journal of Food and Nutrition, 11(3), 71–88.
 
[88]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., Al-Zahraa, F. A., Ragab, S. S., Khafagi, M. M., & Hashem, B. M. (2024). Potential preventive and treatment effects of Arak (Salvadora persica) against gentamicin-induced kidney disorders in male albino rats. American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine, 12(2), 27.
 
[89]  Elmaadawy, A., El-Shazly, M., El-Razek, H. H. A., & Abdel-Aziz, H. M. (2016). Protective effects of date seed extract on liver function in rats. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 12(47), 104–110.
 
[90]  Abdel-Hamid, M. I., El-Mogy, M. A., Abdel-Rahman, M. A., & Khalil, H. E. (2020). Bioactive properties of watermelon peel extract and its impact on metabolic disorders in obese rats. Food & Function, 11(7), 5732–5743.
 
[91]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., Sabry, S. H., Musalum, T., El-Eskaf, A., & Abd El-Fatah, A. (2012). Effect of sweet violet (Viola odorata L.) blossoms powder on liver and kidney functions as well as serum lipid peroxidation of rats treated with carbon tetrachloride. The Journal of American Science, 9(5), 88–95.
 
[92]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., & Kamal, M. (2014). The effect of functional foods to treat liver disorders: Review study. Journal of Home Economics, 24(2), 39–59.
 
[93]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., Ragab, S. H., & Badawy, R. (2016). Antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from various plant parts and their potential roles in protecting the liver disorders induced by benzo(a)pyrene. Public Health International, 2(1), 38–50.
 
[94]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., Nasef, A., & Abdel-Rahman, N. (2021). Potential effects of olive and mango leaves on alloxan-induced diabetes complications in rats. Journal of Home Economics, 2021-a, 49–62.
 
[95]  Arafa, R. S. (2023). The content of bioactive compounds and the biological effects of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and their potential effects on the complications of obesity in rats, M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.
 
[96]  Mahran, M. Z., & Elhassaneen, Y. A. (2023). Attenuation of benzo[a]pyrene-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in albino rats by wild milk thistle seeds extract. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 66(13), 1671–1687.
 
[97]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., & Mahran, M. Z. (2024). Potential protective effects of brown algae seeds against benzo[a]pyrene-induced hepatic and nephritic injuries in rats: Biochemical and histopathological studies. (In preparation or submitted manuscript)
 
[98]  Mahran, G. H., Elmaadawy, A., & Fathy, N. (2018). Antioxidant activities of watermelon peel extract and its role in preventing obesity-induced liver damage. Antioxidants, 7(12), 178.
 
[99]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., Sayed Ahmed, S. A., Elwasef, S. A., & Fayez, S. A. (2022). Effect of brown algae ethanolic extract consumption on obesity complications induced by high fat diets in rats. Port Saied Specific Research Journal (PSSRJ), 15(1).
 
[100]  Elhassaneen, Y., ElBassouny, G., Emam, O., & Swilm, A. (2022). Chemical composition, nutritional evaluation, and bioactive compounds content of oat flour (Avena sativa) and its effects on obesity in rats. Journal of the College of Specific Education for Educational and Specific Studies (SJSE), 7(22), 531–580.
 
[101]  Ismail, N. S., Elhassaneen, Y. A., & Abd El-Aziz, A. A. (2024). Study the potential effect of dietary intervention with strawberry and cauliflower leaves on oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance and histological alterations in diet-induced obese rats. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 45(3), 513–533.
 
[102]  Elhassaneen, Y. A., Sayed Ahmed, S. A., Elwasef, S. A., & Fayez, S. A. (2022). Effect of brown algae ethanolic extract consumption on obesity complications induced by high fat diets in rats. Port Saied Specific Research Journal (PSSRJ), 15(1).
 
[103]  Arafa, S. G. (2021). Chemical and biological studies on extracts of periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus L.), Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.
 
[104]  Elmaadawy, A., Aboul-Enein, A. M., & Ahmed, M. A. (2016). Protective effects of date seed extract on liver function in rats. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 12(47), 104–110.
 
[105]  Mahran, M. A., El-Sayed, H. S., & Hassan, M. A. (2018). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of watermelon peel extract in high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(7), 715–723.
 
[106]  Sayed-Ahmed, S., Shehata, N., & Elhassaneen, Y. A. (2020). Potential protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum powder against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver disorders in rats: Biological, biochemical, and immunological studies. Bulletin of the National Nutrition Institute of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 56(2), 99–132.
 
[107]  Kashaf, H. A. Y. (2018). Effect of bioactive phytochemicals on obesity and its complications in rats (M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Egypt).
 
[108]  Shalaby, H. S., & Elhassaneen, Y. A. (2021). Functional and health properties of yogurt supplemented with green tea or green coffee extracts and its effect on reducing obesity complications in rats. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 42(2), 559–571.
 
[109]  Swilm, A. G. E. S. (2022). Biochemical/nutritional studies of oat (Avena sativa) and its effects on obesity complications in rats (M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Specific Education, Benha University, Egypt).
 
[110]  Gad Alla, H. M. H. (2023). Phytochemical composition and biological activities of brown algae: Applications on obesity complications in experimental rats (M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Egypt).
 
[111]  Younis, M. M. B. (2023). Technological, chemical and nutritional studies on some food processing by-products and their effects on obesity complications induced in rats, Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Specific Education, Port Said University, Egypt.
 
[112]  El-Tarabily, H. M. E. (2024). Bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activities of brown algae extracts and their effects on obesity complications in rats (Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Specific Education, Port Said University, Egypt).
 
[113]  Elhassaneen, Y., Mohamed, M., & Hassan, H. (2014). The effect of some food products mixed with plant parts on blood sugar levels of rats. Journal of Home Economics (Special Issue), 24(4), 85–100. Presented at the 3rd International–17th Arab Conference of Home Economics, 9–11 September, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Egypt.
 
[114]  Elhassaneen, Y., Goarge, S., Sayed, R., & Younis, M. (2016). Onion, orange, and prickly pear peel extracts mixed with beef meatballs ameliorate the effect of alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. American Journal of Pharmacology and Phytotherapy, 1(1), 15–24.
 
[115]  El-Abasy, H. M. A. (2019). Technological and nutritional studies on food industry by-products and their effects on obesity complications induced by high-fat diet in rats (Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Specific Education, Tanta University, Egypt).
 
[116]  Essa, E. M. (2021). Chemical and nutritional studies on extracts of food processing by-products and their effects on obesity complications in rats, M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Egypt.
 
[117]  Tekram, K. A. (2016). Technological and nutritional studies on some food formulae prepared for kidney and digestive system disease patients, M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Egypt.
 
[118]  Hashim, B. M. (2019). Preventive and therapeutic effect of Arak on male albino mice with kidney infection, Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Menoufia University, Egypt.
 
[119]  Mahran, G. H., Elmaadawy, A., & Fathy, N. (2018). Antioxidant activities of watermelon peel extract and its role in preventing obesity-induced liver damage. Antioxidants, 7(12), 178.
 
[120]  Elhassaneen, Y., Ragab, S., Nasef, A., & Abd El-Khader, Y. (2018). Production of some functional foods using gum arabic to ameliorate the complications arising from kidney diseases in rats. In Proceedings of the Annual Conference (13th Arab; 10th International), 11–12 April, Faculty of Specific Education, Mansoura University, Egypt. Higher Education in Egypt and the Arab World in the Light of Sustainable Development Strategies.
 
[121]  Elsemelawy, S. A., Gharib, M. A., & Elhassaneen, Y. A. (2021). Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) extract ameliorates hyperglycemia and liver/kidney functions in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Bulletin of the National Nutrition Institute of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 57, 74–107.
 
[122]  El-Agooze, S. A. M. E. (2016). Evaluation and modification of courses of food for kidney patients (M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Egypt).
 
[123]  Elmaadawy, A., Ahmed, M. S., & Khaled, H. (2016). Protective effects of antioxidants on organ hypertrophy induced by obesity. Journal of Obesity Research, 15(2), 233–240.
 
[124]  Elhassaneen, Y., Ragab, S., Abd El-Rahman, A., & Arafa, S. (2021). Extracts attenuate alloxan-induced hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in rats. American Journal of Food Science and Technology, 9(4), 161–172.
 
[125]  Elhassaneen, Y., Mekawy, S., Khder, S., & Salman, M. (2019). Effect of some plant parts powder on obesity complications of obese rats. Journal of Home Economics, 29(1), 83–106.
 
[126]  Abdel Raheem, R. A. F. (2023). Study of the biological activities of Ashwagandha extract and its effects on neurological complications in obese rats, M.Sc. thesis, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Egypt.
 
[127]  Al-Alawi, R., Al-Mashiqri, J. H., Al-Nadabi, J. S. M., Al-Shihi, B. I., & Baqi, Y. (2017). Date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Natural products and therapeutic options. Frontiers in Plant Science, 8, 845.
 
[128]  Zabielski, P., Sienkiewicz, W., & Kwiatkowska, M. (2018). Date seed extract improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed rats. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(9), 888–895.
 
[129]  Barakat, A. Z., Hamed, A. R., Bassuiny, R. I., Abdel-Aty, A. M., & Mohamed, S. A. (2020). Date palm and saw palmetto seeds functional properties: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 14(2), 1064–1072.
 
[130]  Bouhlali, E. D., & El M. (2019). Histopathological changes in heart and lung tissues from rats with compensated and decompensated CHF and their sham controls. Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases & Diagnosis, 7(3), 1.
 
Manuscript template