Abstract
BackgroundStatins are considered as standard drugs to control cholesterol levels, but their use is also associated with renal hypertrophy, hemorrhagic stroke, hepatomegaly, and myopathy. Murraya koenigii is an herb that is used in traditional cuisine and as a medicine in South Asia. Here we assessed the antidyslipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of this spice in repeated heated mix vegetable oils (RHMVO)-induced atherosclerotic models.MethodsAqueous extract of M. koenigii leaves (Mk LE) was prepared and its phytoconstituents were determined. Rabbits were divided into 5 groups (n = 10). Except for the control group, all the other four groups were treated with RHMVO for 16 weeks (dose = 2 ml/kg/day) to induce dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. These groups were further treated for 10 weeks either with 300 and 500 mg/kg/day Mk LE, lovastatin, RHMVO, or left untreated. Body and organ weights were measured along with oxidative stress and tissue damage parameters. Lipid profile and hepatic function markers were studied. Atheroma measurement and histopathological examination were also performed in control and treated groups.ResultsMk LE significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated RHMVO-induced dyslipidemia and atheroma formation. Furthermore, fat accumulation and lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissues were reduced by Mk LE in a dose-dependent manner. Our results indicated that the antidyslipidemic effects of Mk LE in 500 mg/kg/day dose were comparable to lovastatin. Additionally, oxidative stress markers were reduced much more significantly in Mk LE-500 than in the statin group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study recommends Mk LE as a potent antioxidant and lipid-lowering natural medicine that can attenuate the RHMVO-induced atherosclerotic in optimal doses and duration. Therefore, Mk LE can be accessible, cheap, and free of adverse effects alternate to statins.
Highlights
Statins are considered as standard drugs to control cholesterol levels, but their use is associated with renal hypertrophy, hemorrhagic stroke, hepatomegaly, and myopathy
Statins induce the cellular level of LDL receptors activity that in turn facilitates the metabolism of LDL and verylow-density lipoproteins (VLDL) [8, 9]
Biometric parameters No death and unexpected signs and symptoms noticed in experimental animals throughout the study period in the treated animals and control
Summary
Statins are considered as standard drugs to control cholesterol levels, but their use is associated with renal hypertrophy, hemorrhagic stroke, hepatomegaly, and myopathy. Statins induce the cellular level of LDL receptors activity that in turn facilitates the metabolism of LDL and verylow-density lipoproteins (VLDL) [8, 9] Despite this benefit, long-term use, and/or over-dosage of statins results in serious adverse effects, such as renal hypertrophy, hemorrhagic stroke, hepatomegaly, and myopathy [10,11,12]. These facts are driving the researchers to explore the solution from nature to regulate blood flow and control the blood cholesterol levels, with the least adverse effects
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