Comparative evaluation between Chitosan and Salvadora persica on serum lipid profile changes in hyperlipidemic rabbits

Abstract

Now many medications are provided for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and reduce of cardiovascular disorders in humans and different animal species. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the effects of the Chitosan and Salvadora persica (SP) on serum lipid profile changes in hyperlipidemic rabbits as well as the effect of time on treatment. A total of eighteen healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups (n= 6 each). Group A (control) included of six rabbits that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 g/kg for 10 days to induce hyperlipidemia). Group B was similar group A, but except that Chitosan (3 gr/rabbit) was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, with the difference that aqueous extract SP (at a dose of 900 mg/kg) was administered instead of Chitosan. All drugs were administered via intra-gastric intubations. Blood samples were collected four times during zero, 10, 40 and 55 days. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured by commercial kits. Chitosan (p<0.0001) and SP (p<0.01) showed a more potent hypolipidemic activity in lowering triglyceride compared with group A. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on triglyceride, Chitosan showed a significant difference than SP (p<0.01). Concerned with the effects of the drugs on cholesterol level, Chitosan (p<0.01) and SP (p<0.05) showed a more potent activity in lowering cholesterol than control group. A significant difference was seen between two drugs, on day 40 for cholesterol (p<0.05). The treated groups (B and C), had good results in reduction of LDL-C, compared to group A, on day 55 (p<0.001). A significant difference was seen only between groups A and B and on day 55 in increased of HDL-C (p<0.01). The results showed that both Chitosan and aqueous extract of SP have potential antihyperlipidemic activity, but Chitosan is more effective than SP. Further experimentation needs to elucidate the possible biochemical mechanism of the drugs.