A PhD thesis dissertation at the University of Basrah, College of Science, entitled “A Physiological and Histological Study of the Effects of Chia Seed and Ginseng Extract, Creatine Supplementation on Obesity-Induced Experimental Rats (Rattus norvegicus)”, was presented by researcher Jafer Hamed Manati Nahi.The study involved the extraction and identification of bioactive compounds from two medicinal plants, namely chia seeds and ginseng roots, using (GC–MAS). It further investigated the physiological, biochemical, and hormonal effects of chia seeds, ginseng roots, and the dietary supplement creatine on male laboratory rats with experimentally induced obesity.The dissertation aimed to evaluate the effects of chia and ginseng on obese experimental animals and compare their efficacy with that of creatine supplementation.The findings revealed that the primary bioactive compounds in ginseng are ginsenosides, which play an important role in enhancing locomotor activity and aggressive behavior through the stimulation of neurotransmitter release. In chia seeds, the active constituents include soluble dietary fibers, which form a gel-like substance in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting satiety and reducing appetite. Additionally, saponins and flavonoids were found to contribute to partial appetite suppression.The study also demonstrated that creatine supports the regeneration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by increasing phosphocreatine stores within skeletal muscle tissue.The researcher recommended conducting further investigations using longer treatment durations and varying concentrations of chia, ginseng, and creatine solutions to better assess potential side effects. The study also emphasized the importance of isolating and purifying the active compounds present in chia seeds and ginseng roots for their potential use as natural antioxidants.
