Hypocholesterolemic and Antiatherosclerotic Potential ofBasella albaLeaf Extract in Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Rabbits

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is the major risk factor that leads to atherosclerosis. Nowadays, alternative treatment using medicinal plants gained much attention since the usage of statins leads to adverse health effects, especially liver and muscle toxicity. This study was designed to investigate the hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects ofBasella alba(B. alba) using hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 5 groups and fed with varying diets: normal diet, 2% high cholesterol diet (HCD), 2% HCD + 10 mg/kg simvastatin, 2% HCD + 100 mg/kgB. albaextract, and 2% HCD + 200 mg/kgB. albaextract, respectively. The treatment withB. albaextract significantly lowered the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and increased HDL and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) levels. The elevated levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and creatine kinase were noted in hypercholesterolemic and statin treated groups indicating liver and muscle injuries. Treatment withB. albaextract also significantly suppressed the aortic plaque formation and reduced the intima: media ratio as observed in simvastatin-treated group. This is the firstin vivostudy onB. albathat suggests its potential as an alternative therapeutic agent for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.