Contribution to the study of slimming plants and herbal teas in Tébessa

Abstract

Medicinal plants are widely used for their therapeutic properties, particularly in weight man- agement. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition and slimming effects of five

medicinal species traditionally used in the Tébessa region: Zingiber officinale (ginger), Cuminum cyminum (cumin), Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), and Camellia sinensis (green tea). Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed, followed by an in vivo experiment on Wistar rats divided into five groups. Each group received one of the aqueous extracts over a 30-day period, and body weight was monitored to assess each plant’s effect.

The results revealed a richness in flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and other sec- ondary metabolites. Significant weight loss was observed in the groups treated with the plant

mixture, green tea, and cinnamon. These findings support the traditional use of these plants for weight loss and pave the way for developing herbal slimming infusions based on local flora.