Zygophyllum gaetulum attenuates hypercholesterolemia and protects against oxidative stress in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of Zygophyllum gaetulum aqueous extract on hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. Methods: Twelve hypercholesterolemic rats were divided into two groups fed a 20% casein diet enriched with 1% cholesterol + 0.5% cholic acid and supplemented (HC-Zg) or not (HC) with Z.gaetulum extract (1%), for 4 weeks. Results: In the HC-Zg group compared with the HC group, plasma total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were respectively 1.5- and 2.4-fold lower, while high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher (+50%). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations were decreased in plasma ( 76%). Moreover, TBARS concentrations were respectively 4-, 3.2-, 1.8- and 3.4-fold lower in liver, heart, brain and aorta. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was respectively 4- and 1.2-fold higher in liver and aorta. Increased catalase (CAT) activity was noted in liver (+14%), heart (+27%) and aorta (+17%), while glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was respectively 2.3- and 1.6-fold higher in liver and aorta. An important glutathione reductase (GR) activity was noted in heart (+14%), brain (+47%) and aorta (+23%). Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were respectively increased by 78, 35 and 65% in liver, heart and aorta. Conclusion: These results show that Zygophyllum gaetulum aqueous extract improves hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress induced by a high cholesterol diet and consequently may protect against cardiovascular diseases.