Influence of Georgian Saperavi Grapevine Shoots Extract on Lipid Profile in Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Numerous clinical trials of lipid-lowering diets and medicines have been established for proper lipid profile regulation to reduce the significant level of pathological conditions of cardiovascular origin. Winemaking is a well-developed part of Georgian agriculture. Besides usual products such as grapes and wine, it is characterized by a significant amount of waste products like leaves and shoots, which can be used as a source of bio-active ingredients, namely polyphenols, which are wellknown to have hypocholesterolemia effects. Therefore, the decision was made to use polyphenols derived from wasted shoots and assess their potential protective and treating effect on lipid profile in the Vivo model of dietary-induced hyperlipidemia. During previous studies, 14 individual polyphenols were extracted and detected from Georgian grapevine shoots, and current research demonstrates the cholesterol-lowering effects of this polyphenol-rich extract in laboratory rats. Study results demonstrated the positive protective effect of Georgian Vitis Vinifera (Saperavi) polyphenols on the lipid profile of rats. Along with relatively low values of total cholesterol (5.47%), LDL (16%), and TG (9.9%), better results for HDL value were observed for the group receiving Saperavi shoots extract, than the group receiving only a hypercholesterolemia diet. Compared with a 10 mg/kg Atorvastatin daily dose, Saperavi shoots extract showed a smoother reduction of serum cholesterol; however, the normal range was reached. These findings support the potential of using currently wasted Georgian grapevine shoots as a source of biologically active ingredients. Based on the study results, Saperavi shoot extract can be considered a cost-effective candidate for phytomedicine supplementing and treating cardiovascular diseases associated with lipid profile disorders.