Antihyperlipidemic activity of Cassia auriculata flowers in triton WR 1339 induced hyperlipidemic rats

The flower extract of Cassia auriculata, herb has been used traditionally in India for medicinal purposes. The plant has been reported to treat hyperglycemia and associated hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress are known to accelerate coronary artery disease and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. The present work was undertaken to investigate the possible antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative effect of C auriculata flower on hyperlipidemic rats. Hyperlipidemia was induced in rats by a single intravenous (iv) injection of Triton WR 1339 (300 mg/kg b.w.) and it showed sustained elevated levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Ethanolic extract of C auriculata flowers (Et-CAF) (150, 300, 450 mg/kg b.w./day) was administered to normal and hyperlipidemic rats for 14 days. Serum and liver tissue were analysed at three different time intervals for lipid profile, lipid peroxidation products, antioxidants enzymes and the activity were compared to the cholesterol-lowering drug, lovastatin (10 mg/kg/b.w.). Parameters were altered during hyperlipidemia and reverted back to near normal values after Et-CAF treatment or standard drug lovastatin. Lipid peroxidation decreased whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase increased in Et-CAF treated rats. Pronounced changes were observed at 450 mg/kg b.w. of Et-CAF for 2 weeks and it was comparable to the standard drug lovastatin. The current study provides a strong evidence that Et-CAF has a beneficial effect in treating hyperlipidemia and ROS without any side effects at the dosage and duration studied. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.