Abstract
Plants of the genus Ilex are widespread throughout the world, with its best-known representative being Ilex paraguraiensis from South America. The European species Ilex aquifolium shows similarities in its terpenoid, sugar and phenolic acid profiles. Using aqueous extracts of Ilex aquifolium as a supplement in Wistar rats showed that, despite the lack of caffeine, it had strong hypocholesterolemic effects. In addition, a reduction in oxidative lipid degradation and a decrease in hepatic steatosis in histopathological studies were observed. The results of this study suggest that extracts from the European species Ilex aquifolium may have potential as an alternative treatment for hyperlipidemia.
Highlights
Accepted: 22 December 2021Plants contain a high number of secondary metabolites, some of which possess several beneficial properties for human health
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aqueous extracts of selected Ilex species and the terpenoid fraction on hyperlipidemia induced in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet, as well as on the metabolism of their action
The results presented in this paper indicate the similarity of Argentine I. paraguariensis with European varieties of I. aquifolium, from chemical constituents to potential biological properties
Summary
Accepted: 22 December 2021Plants contain a high number of secondary metabolites, some of which possess several beneficial properties for human health. Herbs have been used to make medicinal beverages to treat many symptoms and diseases in the human body [3]. Some herbs are well known for their biological properties that may be useful in the fight against metabolic syndrome diseases such as diabetes and dyslipidemia [4]. The chemical composition and medical uses of plants belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family (of the genus Ilex) have been studied in this regard. Certain parts of these plants, such as the leaves and the stems, include many bioactive substances, such as saponins, polyphenols, glycosides, alkanes, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and lipophilic compounds [5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
