Biological Evaluation of Isolated Flavonoids from Cymbopogon citratus on the Absorption of Lipids in Rabbits Infected with Giardiasis

Abstract

The study involves isolation of flavonoids from Cymbopogon citratus, which included (Gallic acid, Chlorogenic, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, Myricetin, Tran-cinnamic acid, Kaempferol, Citral, Luteolin-7-O-neohesperidoside, Cassiaoccidentalin B, Carlinoside, Isoorientin, and Cynoaroside), and assessment of their therapeutic impact on lipid absorption in rabbits with Giardiasis. Twenty adult male rabbits were divided into four groups: Negative control (C-) received only drinking water, Positive control (C+) was orally treated with parasite cysts to induce Giardiasis, Group 1 (G1) received 30 mg/kg/day of metronidazole after inducing Giardiasis, and Group 2 (G2) received 100 mg/Kg/day of isolated flavonoids post Giardiasis induction. The results revealed varying concentrations of active flavonoids in the isolated extract, with a lower treatment response observed in G2 compared to metronidazole treatment in G1. Biochemically, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein levels significantly decreased in C+ and G1 compared to C- but returned to normal after flavonoid treatment in G2. Triglycerides levels decreased significantly in the C+ group and returned to normal post-treatment, while total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein levels remained unchanged in the C+ group. Serum cholesterol was unaffected by the infection in G+ and G2 but significantly increased in G1. Total antioxidant capacity and malodialdhyde levels significantly increased in the positive group but returned to normal after treatment in G1 and G2.. KEYWORDS :Cymbopogon citrates, Giardia lamblia, Lipid profile, Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein.