Evaluation of the in vivo anti-hyperlipidemic activity of the triterpene from the stem bark of Protorhus longifolia (Benrh.) Engl.
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Date
2014
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University of Zululand
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids (fats), including cholesterol and triacylglycerol, circulating in the blood. Hypercholesterolemia is well known as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as atherosclerosis. This suggests a need for the discovery of effective and safe anti-hyperlipidemic agents, preferably of natural origin. Triterpenes are now targets for drug development due to their diverse, potential significant pharmacological activities. In this study, the in vivo lipid-lowering activity of the triterpene (Methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dienoate), isolated from crude chloroform extract from the stem bark of Protorhus longifolia, in high fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats was investigated. The pure compound isolated from crude chloroform extract (through column chromatography) was identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and infrared (IR) techniques. Rats were divided into two groups: normal diet (ND) and HFD. After 21 days of experiment period on their respective diets, rats were sub-divided into a total of nine (9) groups of four rats per group and treated with (50, 100, 200 mg/kg bw) the triterpene (KEM) for 15 days. At the end of the experimental periods, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical assays. The results show that there were significant increases in total serum cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) with a reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats after 21 days. Oral administration of the triterpene (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg) for a period of 15 days resulted in significant lowering of the levels of TC and LDL-C with an increase in HDL-c in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Significant decrease in atherogenic index and coronary risk index by the KEM was observed in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats. It is concluded that KEM could contribute to new formulation with significant hyperlipidemic effects.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science and Agriculture in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2014
Keywords
in vivo --anti-hyperlipidemic --triterpene --Protorhus longifolia