Dysregulation of Lipid and Cholesterol Metabolism in High Fat Diet Fed Hyperlipidemic Rats: Protective Effect of Sida rhomboidea. roxb Leaf Extract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of freeze dried extract of Sida rhomboidea. roxb leaves (FESR) on alteration in lipid and cholesterol metabolism in high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in experimental rats. Plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, lipid and cholesterol metabolizing enzymes in target tissues and fecal total lipids and bile acid contents were evaluated in FESR treated normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic rats. These results were compared with synthetic hypolipidemic drug lovastatin (LVS). Results indicate that FESR was able to positively regulate induced experimental hyperlipidemia by significant alteration in plasma and tissue lipid profiles. These results can be attributed to reduced absorption, effective elimination and augmented catabolism of lipids and cholesterol possibly due to high content of saponin and phytosterols in S. Rhomboidea. roxb (SR). Use of SR extract as a potential therapeutic agent against hyperlipidemia is indicated.