Antihyperlipidemic potential of a polyherbal preparation on triton WR 1339 (Tyloxapol) induced hyperlipidemia: A comparison with lovastatin

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Sechium edule Fruits Attenuates QT Prolongation in High Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Mice

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Sechium edule (S.E.) fruits on lipid profile and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in high fat-diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemic mice. In this study, grouping of animals was done as described below (n = 6), where group 1 is normal control, group 2 is HFD control, group 3 is HFD + atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), group 4 is HFD + S.E. extract (200 mg/kg), and group 5 is HFD + S.E. extract (400 mg/kg). The first 3 weeks animals were supplemented with HFD, and the last 3 weeks animals were supplemented with HFD along with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) or S.E. extract (200 and 400 mg/kg). It was observed that mice of the HFD control group showed a significant rise in the total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and VLDL-C levels and a notable decrease in HDL-C levels. In addition, a consequential increment in ECG parameters such as QT or QTc and RR interval and a noteworthy decline in the heart rate were observed in HFD control mice. Treatment with S.E. extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed a significant improvement in the lipid profile. Moreover, the extract also significantly normalized the prolonged QT or QTc and RR interval and the heart rate in HFD-challenged mice. Hence, we can conclude that S.E. extract encumbers the prolongation of QT or QTc and RR interval and increased the heart rate in HFD-challenged mice.

Toxicological and pharmacological assessment of a multiherbal phytopharmaceutical on Triton X-1339-induced hyperlipidemia and allied biochemical dysfunctions

This study investigated the safety and therapeutic effect of a multiherbal tea (MHT) on Triton X-1339-induced hyperlipidemia and associated biochemical and tissue dysfunctions. An infusion of the MHT was assessed for phytoconstituents, proximate and mineral composition, and antioxidant activity. Wistar rats administered 200 mg/kg Triton X-1399 were post-treated with MHT for 14 days followed by biochemical estimations in serum, heart, liver, and kidney of animals. Hematological and histopathological evaluations of the blood, and liver, respectively, were also performed. Different phytochemicals were detected in MHT, toxic metals were absent and antioxidant activity was appreciable. Disturbances in glucose level and redox homeostasis, alterations in liver, kidney, and heart function markers, and imbalances in hematological parameters precipitated by triton toxicity were mitigated by posttreatment with MHT. Multiherbal tea also ameliorated triton-induced hepatic histoarchitectural abnormalities. These results suggest that MHT is apparently an effective antilipemic tea with minimal or no side effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hyperlipidemia is one of the core risk factors for arteriosclerosis and a major contributor to other adverse health conditions. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia has increased drastically in the last few decades. Plant and plant products have been extensively used in the management of dyslipidemia and many plant-based antilipemic products with poorly defined toxicity and pharmacological profiles abound in the market. The results of this study demonstrated the protective effects of a MHT against triton-induced hyperlipidemia, atherogenic tendency, and dysfunction of key organs in rats and lent credence to its therapeutic relevance in the management of hyperlipidemia and related diseases.

Phytochemical composition, antilipidemic and antihypercholestrolemic perspectives of Bael leaf extracts

BACKGROUND

In recent times, focus on plant research has improved all over the world and essential parts of plants provide bioactive compounds in human diet. The bael (Aegle marmelos) has enormous traditional uses in the treatment of chronic diarrhea, dysentery, peptic ulcers and as a laxative. The main focus of this study was characterization of bael leaf extract for its bioactive constituents, antihypercholestrolemic and antilipidemic perspectives.

METHODS

After proximate composition of bael powder, the aqueous extract of bael leaf was used for phytochemical profiling (alkaloids, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content). Afterwards, normal rats group G0 was administrated basal diet while G1 and G2 normal rat groups were fed diets containing bael leaf extract 125 mg and 250 mg, respectively for consecutive 60 days. In a similar way, hyperlipidemic rats group Gh0 was administrated basal diet while Gh1 and Gh2 hyperlipidemic rat groups were fed diets containing bael leaf extract 125 mg and 250 mg, respectively for consecutive 60 days. The blood drawn on day 0, day 30 and day 60 was analyzed for serum parameters, such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides concentration and free and ester cholesterol.

RESULTS

Bael leaf powder is a rich source of crude fiber (14.50 ± 0.10 g/100 g). Aqueous extract of bael leaf contains alkaloids (15.58 ± 0.05 mg/g), flavonoids (64.00 ± 0.05 mg/g), phenolics (30.34 ± 0.01 GAEmg/g). From the In vivo studies, the lowest weight gain was observed in group G2 and in Gh2 as compared to control of both groups. The decrease in serum TC for G1-15.06%, G2-17.27% while in Gh1-22.46% and Gh2-34.82% after day 60, respectively. The maximum decrease was observed in group G2 (- 14.33%) and in Gh2 (- 24.79%) for triglycerides after 60 days. For HDL-cholesterol, significant increase (11.20%) in G2 and (49.83%) in Gh2 was observed of after 60 days. A trend in decrease of serum LDL-cholesterol in G2 (- 9.63%) and in Gh2 (- 44.65%) was also observed at day 60, and - 19.05% and - 30.06% decrease was noted in G2 and Gh2, respectively and decreasing trend was observed in free and total cholesterol - 22.30% and - 81.49% for groups G2 and Gh2 after day 60.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study demonstrated that the extract contents of bael leaf provide protective role against hypercholesterolemic and hyperlipidemic conditions.

Antihypercholesterolemic and Antioxidative Potential of an Extract of the Plant, Piper betle, and Its Active Constituent, Eugenol, in Triton WR-1339-Induced Hypercholesterolemia in Experimental Rats

Hypercholesterolemia is a dominant risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, the putative antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidative properties of an ethanolic extract of Piper betle and of its active constituent, eugenol, were evaluated in experimental hypercholesterolemia induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339 (300 mg/kg b.wt) in Wistar rats. Saline-treated hypercholesterolemic rats revealed significantly higher mean blood/serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and of serum hepatic marker enzymes; in addition, significantly lower mean serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and significantly lower mean activities of enzymatic antioxidants and nonenzymatic antioxidants were noted in hepatic tissue samples from saline-treated hypercholesterolemic rats, compared to controls. However, in hypercholesterolemic rats receiving the Piper betle extract (500 mg/kg b.wt) or eugenol (5 mg/kg b.wt) for seven days orally, all these parameters were significantly better than those in saline-treated hypercholesterolemic rats. The hypercholesterolemia-ameliorating effect was better defined in eugenol-treated than in Piper betle extract-treated rats, being as effective as that of the standard lipid-lowering drug, lovastatin (10 mg/kg b.wt). These results suggest that eugenol, an active constituent of the Piper betle extract, possesses antihypercholesterolemic and other activities in experimental hypercholesterolemic Wistar rats.

Hepatoprotective activity of punarnavashtak kwath, an Ayurvedic formulation, against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and on the HepG2 cell line

OBJECTIVE

Punarnavashtak kwath (PNK) is a classical Ayurvedic formulation, mentioned in Ayurvedic literature Bhaishajya Ratnavali, for hepatic disorders and asthma. This study investigated the hepatoprotective activity of PNK to validate the traditional use of this formulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PNK was prepared in the laboratory according to the method given in Ayurvedic literature. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the presence of phytoconstituents. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated against CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and by its effect on the HepG2 cell line.

RESULTS

Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and a bitter principle in PNK. Administration of PNK produced significant hepatoprotective effect as demonstrated by decreased levels of serum liver marker enzymes such as aspartate transaminase, serum alanine transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin and an increase in protein level. Thiopentone-induced sleeping time was also decreased in the PNK-treated animals compared with the CCl(4)-treated group. It also showed antioxidant activity by increase in activity of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and by a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance level compared with the CCl(4)-treated group. Results of a histopathological study also support the hepatoprotective activity of PNK. Investigation carried out on the HepG2 cell line depicted significant increase in viability of cells exposed to PNK as compared with CCl(4)-treated cells.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that PNK protects hepatocytes from CCl(4)-induced liver damages due to its antioxidant effect on hepatocytes. An in vitro study on HepG2 cell lines also supports its protective effect.

In vitro efficacy and safety of poly-herbal formulations

Indigenous plants are used as a traditional source of raw materials for the manufacture of medicines. Modernizing the ancient art of herbal medicine bequeathed from generations entails addressing two interrelated issues i.e. efficacy, and safety prior to their acceptance and use worldwide. The present study was designed to investigate three of our veterinary poly-herbal formulations - Phytocee an antistressor; Zigbir(R) a hepatoprotectant; and Zist(R) as an immunomodulator in the pertinent in vitro cell assay models in order to validate their therapeutic potential. Cellular antioxidant potential of Phytocee was demonstrated against AAPH induced oxidative stress using HepG2 cells. Zigbir(R) was confirmed as a hepatoprotectant against tert-butylhydroperoxide induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Immunomodulatory activity of Zist(R) was established by its ability to inhibit the proliferation of mitogen stimulated murine splenocytes in vitro. On treatment with Zist(R), a trend of decline in IL-6, and IL-12 levels was observed following stimulation with Con A, and LPS respectively in murine splenocytes. Further, all the three poly-herbal formulations were subjected to Ames II assay for ensuring their safety profile. Results epitomize that all the three poly-herbal formulations were devoid of significant mutagenic effect in TA98, and TAMix strains of Salmonella typhimurium under our experimental conditions.