Hypolipidemic effects of Solidago chilensis hydroalcoholic extract and its major isolated constituent quercetrin in cholesterol-fed rats

Abstract

Context: Despite several studies on the effects of Solidago chilensis Meyen (Asteraceae), the phytochemical and hypolipidemic properties remain underappreciated.Objective: This study evaluates the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and quercetrin from S. chilensis aerial parts in cholesterol-fed rats.Materials and methods: The HE was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, followed by quercetrin isolation. Hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid for 15 d) were treated with HE (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6), simvastatin (4 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6), or quercetrin (10 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) once a day for 30 d. During this period, a high-cholesterol diet was maintained until the 30th day of treatment.Results: Rats treated with HE (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) and quercetrin showed decreased serum levels of total cholesterol (−19.9, −27.5, −31.0, and −39.4%), lipoprotein-cholesterol (−36.0, −37.5, −43.3, and −59.4%), and triacylglycerides (−15.6, −23.5, −29.8, and −27.2%) when compared with the control group similar to simvastatin. Moreover, treatment with HE and quercetrin decreased hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity (35.1% on average) and increased fecal cholesterol levels (38.2% on average).Discussion and conclusions: Our results suggest that hypolipidemic effects of HE are associated with it modulating the activity of HMG-CoA reductase and its interference in the reabsorption and/or excretion of intestinal lipids. Solidago chilensis and its main constituent, quercetrin, may thus be effective as cholesterol-lowering agents and in preventing atherosclerosis.