Evaluation of antiatherogenic effect of Alternanthera brasiliana Linn kuntz in rats on atherogenic diet

Background: Hypercholesterolaemia is a major risk factor for systemic atherosclerosis and a well-known etiological factor for cardiovascular diseases and its complications which is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. In a recent study, the antihyperlipidemic activity of dried leaves extract of Alternanthera brasiliana has been evaluated. Hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic potential of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Alternanthera brasiliana L. Kuntz (MEAB) in high fat diet induced hypercholesterolemic rat model.Methods: Thirty (30) wistar albino rats of either sex were randomly divided into five groups: first two groups received normal diet and high fat diet respectively and the remaining three groups received high fat diet supplemented with methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana (MEAB) administered orally daily at two different doses: 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg and Atorvastatin 10 mg/kg/day orally as standard respectively. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) was estimated after 12 weeks. Atherogenic index was calculated from the results of lipid profile. At the end, the aorta was removed for assessment of atherosclerotic plagues.Results: Our results showed that MEAB possessed significant cholesterol lowering potency as indicated by decrease in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) accompanied by an increase in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and reduces the atherosclerotic lesion of aorta (p <0.05).Conclusions: These results strongly suggests that MEAB can prevent the progress of atherosclerosis likely due to the effect of A. brasiliana on serum lipoproteins and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It could be a potential therapy for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

A Phytopharmacological Review Of Dadim-punica Granatum Linn.

Punica granatum Linn. is a well-known nature power fruit rich in natural bioactive constituents, edible phytoestrogen like substances and other nutritional elements, grown all over the world from Iran to Mediterranean region and Central Asia. It is also described in Ayurveda as Dadim for treating Amlapitta, Raktapitta and used as Hridya and Atisaraghna. It is used for its good nutritive values generally used in the form of Avaleha, Swaras or Juices and Jellies. Several studies conducted previously showed that pomegranate exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity. Description of pomegranate is being found since Vedic period. Pomegranate is mentioned in Rigveda also. Aacharya sushrut described pomegranate or Dadim (Sanskrit name) as a best fruit i.e. Shrestha under Phalavarga. According to Acharya Vagbhata, Dadim is also included in Shramghna and Hrudya Gana. In various studies in human and rodent models, pomegranate juice has been found to wield antiatherogenic, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities. Several studies on the antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory and many more potential properties of various parts of pomegranate and its constituents have been already published. Many studies had proved the latent efficacy of pomegranate and its applications including male infertility, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity. So, the present study aims to discuss the collective information on pomegranate which can provide a summary to study the diverse array of biological actions of pomegranate and thus provide easy accessibility for treating various common diseases.

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Celtis iguanaea on markers of cardiovascular diseases and glucose metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg., Cannabaceae, is popularly used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, chemical and pharmacological investigations are lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from C. iguanaea on markers of cardiovascular diseases and the glucose metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats. Therefore, hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol) were orally treated with C. iguanaea extract (C-150, CI-300, or CI-600 mg/kg) or simvastatin (4 mg/kg) (n = 6) once a day (30 days) with a hypercholesterolemic diet. A control group (C) was given saline. C. iguanaea extract showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HMG-CoA-reductase, interleukin-1 and 6, TNF-α and IFN-γ when compared to group C (p < 0.001). Hypoglycemic effects were observed along with a decrease of the activity of sucrase (CI-600), maltase (CI-150, CI-300), and an increase in muscle glycogen levels (CI-300). Antioxidant effects were observed in plasma by the decrease of TBARS and increase of nonprotein thiols levels (CI-600). The histopathological analysis showed a significant decrease in the liver fat area for C. iguanaea extract compared to group C (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that the biological effects of C. iguanaea extract could be related to the flavonoids that possibly exert antioxidant, enzymatic inhibitory, and insulin-mimetic effects.

Hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of Cynara scolymus in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT Cynara scolymus L., Asteraceae, are traditionally used to treat dyspepsia. This study evaluated the hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of C. scolymus in rat's model. Hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid for 15 days) were treated (0.5 ml/200 g) with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) or simvastatin (4 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) once per day for 30 days along with hypercaloric diet. A control group (C) was given water (0.5 ml/200 g; n = 6). A high-cholesterol diet was maintained throughout the treatment period. Rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg) and simvastatin showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol (−46.9%, −51.9%, −44%, and −41.9%, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C; −52.1%, −54.8%, −51.9%, and −46.7%, respectively), compared with group C (p < 0.005). Biochemical analyses revealed significant decrease in the concentration of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, C-reactive protein, oxidized-LDL, and antioxidized-LDL in rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg). There were no differences in serum ALT enzyme activity between the groups. Our results suggest that hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects could be related with the presence of polar substances present in aqueous extract of C. scolymus.

Antiatherogenic, Hypolipidemic and Antiinflammatory Benefits of Black Tea and Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloid.

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of ailments is increasing around the globe. This study assessed the antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic benefits of black tea (BT) and Z. zanthoxylum (Zz) in rats. Thirty two albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups each containing four animals. Group 1 normal control; animals in groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed standard diet supplemented with BT or ZZ or a combination of both at equal amounts (3% each), respectively. Animals in group 5 are control rats, fed diet supplemented with cholesterol and groundnut oil at a dose level of 100 g and 300g/25 kg diet respectively. Rats in groups 6, 7 and 8 were fed the same high lipid diet but supplemented with BT, Z.z or mixture of both respectively. Lipid enriched diet caused a significant increase in total cholesterol, total lipids, and triacylglycerols in both serum and liver. Serum phospholipids, LDL-C, and atherogenic index significantly increased compared with normal control group. BT and Zz significantly increased fecal total lipids, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels as well as significantly increased serum malondialdehyde, interleukin-2 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha compared to healthy control. Consumption of black tea, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloid or a combination mixture of them by healthy and hyperlipidemic hypercholesterolemic rats resulted in significantly decreased lipid parameters in serum and liver and significant reduced lipid peroxidation and inflammation. These results suggest that both black tea and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloid had anti-atherogenic and hypolipidemic effects and reduced oxidative stress via inhibition of inflammation and lipid peroxidation.

Long Term Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Hyperlipidaemic and Anti-Atherogenic Effects of Carica papaya Leaves in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats.

Aim: To evaluate the long term (24 weeks) anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidaemic and antiatherogenic effects of aqueous leaf extract of Carica papaya in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Study Design: The effect of daily oral administration of C. papaya aqueous leaf extract in streptozotocin diabetic rats was monitored for 24 weeks by assessing fasting blood sugar and serum lipid profile. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry Laboratory and Central Research Laboratory, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. March to October, 2009. Methodology: 24 rats in three groups, normal control (group 1), diabetic control (group 2) and C. papaya treated diabetic rats, TDR (group 3) were used for this study. Body weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, total triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HDLcholestrol, as well as atherogenic index (AI) and coronary risk index (CRI), were assessed periodically in the serum for 24 weeks. Results: Treatment of STZ diabetic rats with C. papaya leaf extract produced significant (P<.05) reductions in FBS from week 2 of treatment. Normoglycaemia was attained in week 8 and sustained till week 24. Significant (P<.05) reductions in serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were also observed for most of the points monitored while HDL-cholesterol was significantly (P<.05) increased. The high AI and CRI caused by STZ diabetes was significantly (P<.05) reduced in the C. papaya treated diabetic rats. Conclusion: The findings from this study substantiate the long term potential and traditional usage of C. papaya for antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effects.

Proatherogenic or antiatherogenic high density lipoprotein type in acute coronary syndrome and healthy male person.

Aim: To make proatherogenic/antiatherogenic HDL type criteria using Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), Neopterin and HDL-cholesterol levels, which may be useful in clinical practice. Methods: This was a case control study recruiting 52 subjects with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and 30 control healthy subjects. HDL type was classifi ed into antiatherogenic and proatherogenic based on the levels of ApoA-I, PON-1, Neopterin and HDL-cholesterol. Concentrations of ApoA-I was measured by immunoturbidimetry method, PON-1 was measured by colorimetric method, Neopterin was measured by ELISA, and HDL-C was determined by homogenous method. Univariate logistic regression analysis was done using ACS as a dependent variable and levels of ApoA-I, PON-1, Neopterin and HDL-cholesterol as independent variables. Proatherogenic/antiatherogenic HDL type was determined by using ApoA-I, PON-1, Neopterin and HDL-cholesterol cut off and odd ratios. Results: Patient’s age was 50.89 + 12.63 year, HDL-C was 39.82 + 9.84 mg/dL, Apo A-1 was 119.77 + 32.05 mg/ dL, PON-1 was 41.26 + 18.19 kU/L, Neopterin was 16.22 + 38.10 nmol/L. Cut offs of ApoA-I, PON-1 and Neopterin successively were 124.5 mg/dL, 40.8 kU/L, and 7.016 nmol/L. On univariate logistic regression analysis showed that OR of ApoA-I, PON-1 and Neopterin respectively were 29.759 (95% CI : 4.074 – 217.382), 1.647 (95% CI : 0.412 – 6.586), 4.317 (95% CI : 1.098 – 16.977). Using scoring system, we concluded that total score > 18 was proatherogenic HDL type, and total score < 18 was antiatherogenic HDL type. With this scoring we found 78.85% had proatherogenic HDL type in ACS population. Conclusions: Dysfunctional HDL or proatherogenic/antiatherogenic HDL type can be predicted by using ApoA-I – PON-1 – Neopterin – HDL-cholesterol scoring system. Those with score of 18 are supposed to have antiatherogenic HDL type, and those with score of > 18 were having proatherogenic HDL type.