Anti-obesogenic potential of curcumin, disulfiram, and their synergistic effects in HFD-fed obese Swiss albino mice
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Aims: This study aimed to investigate the preventive anti-obesogenic effects of disulfiram and curcumin, including their potential synergistic effects, in a high-fat diet-induced obese and diabetic mouse model by evaluating body weight gain, food intake, glycaemic control, lipid profile, insulin and leptin levels, liver injury markers, and histopathological changes. Diabetes and obesity are dual pandemics affecting millions of people worldwide. Curcumin, commonly used in Indian kitchens, and the repurposed drug Disulfiram, previously used for other purposes, are evaluated to assess their anti-obesogenic properties. Materials and methods: Inducing obesity and diabetes through an HFD in Swiss albino mice provides a suitable strategy for testing the preventive effects of supplements or drugs against obesity. To achieve this, we established five groups: one fed a control diet, one fed an HFD, and three treatment groups that received curcumin, Disulfiram, or both simultaneously by oral gavage. We measured food intake, weight gain, the Lee obesity index, lipid profiles, liver injury enzymes, insulin and leptin levels, and liver histopathological changes. Results: These results suggest that treating high-fat diet (HFD)- fed mice with either Curcumin or Disulfiram alone, or combining both simultaneously, for 12 weeks effectively controls weight gain, improves glucose metabolism, reverses abnormal lipid profiles, and reduces Insulin and Leptin resistance. Conclusion: The combination treatment with Curcumin and Disulfiram shows a synergistic effect and a significantly enhanced anti-obesogenic effect. However, treatment with Curcumin alone also shows greater effectiveness compared to Disulfiram alone.
Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Institutions: Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Medicine
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7222083985