Withania Somnifera: Correlation of Phytoconstituents with Hypolipidemic and Cardioprotective Activities

Withania somnifera (WS) (Dunal) or Ashwagandha is a well-known hypolipidemic herb and antioxidant. In this study, 75% ethanolic extract of WS is attempted to evaluate the cardioprotective activity of isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity and hypolipidemic activity in Triton WR 1339-induced hyperlipidemia. In addition, phytochemical evaluation of the same extracts analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS). This study found that 7 days of therapy with WS extracts at 1000 mg/kg b.wt. reduced cholesterol by 76%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 71%, and TAG by 12% (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it can significantly reduce cholesterol and LDL levels (P < 0.05). Similarly, the use of 50 mg/kg b.wt. of WS extract showed a cardioprotective effect against isoproterenol-induced cardiac toxic rats. The antioxidants glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase are increased in WS extract (P < 0.05), whereas the release of cardiac indicators in heart tissue is reduced (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a 30-day treatment with WS also reduced triacylglycerol in isoprenaline-induced cardiotoxic rats. GC–MS analysis of the methanol fraction of the Ashwagandha 70% ethanolic extract showed the presence of higher concentrations of fatty acids. In conclusion, WS showed hypolipidemic and cardioprotective activities in diseased animals induced by isoproterenol and Triton WR 1339.

Synergetic Action of Forskolin and Mevastatin Induce Normalization of Lipids Profile in Dyslipidemic Rats through Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase Upregulation

In the present study, we examined the synergetic effect of forskolin and mevastatin administration on lipid profile and lipid metabolism in omental adipose tissue in dyslipidemic rats. The study was conducted on forty male albino rats. The rats were randomly classified into four main groups of ten animals in each group as follows: group A, served as control nontreated; group B, rats that received Triton WR 1339 (500 mg/kg); group C, rats that received Triton WR 1339 with forskolin (100% FSK extract 0.5 mg/kg/day) for four weeks; and group D, dyslipidemic rats received both mevastatin and forskolin. At the end of the experimental period, blood and omental adipose tissue samples were collected, preserved, and used for biochemical determination of lipid profile and mRNA expression profile of adenylate cyclase (AC), hormone-sensitive lipase, respectively (HSL), and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The results showed a significant decline in the serum concentration of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, although there was a significant increase in serum levels of HDL-cholesterol and glycerol in rats received forskolin alone or with mevastatin when compared with control and dyslipidemic groups. The mRNA expression levels of AC, HSL, and AMPK were significantly increased in omental adipose tissue of rats received forskolin when compared with other groups. In conclusion, forskolin acts synergistically with mevastatin to lower lipid profile and improve lipid metabolism in dyslipidemic rats through upregulation of AMPK expression.

Hypolipidemic Activity of Pleurotus florida against Triton WR 1339 Induced Hyperlipidemia

Pleurotus florida (Oyster mushroom) belongs to the family Pleurotaceae and widely consumed all over the world. The aqueous ethanolic extract of the fruiting body of P.florida was evaluated for hypolipidemic activity. Hyperlipidemia was induced with the help of Triton WR 1339 (100mg/Kg b.w.) administered via intraperitoneal injection. Atorvastatin (2.5 mg/Kg b.w) was used as the standard drug. Different concentrations of aqueous ethanolic extract of P. florida (500, 250, and 100 mg/Kg b.w) were given orally before triton administration. The serum lipid profile was assayed and showed significant hypolipidemic activity compared to the control group (Triton alone). The activity of HMG CoA reductase was assayed using hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Hepatic HMG CoA reductase activity was significantly decreased in the treated group as compared to the control. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was also assayed. A significant reduction in lipid peroxidation was seen in groups treated with extract compared to control. Lovastatin was also isolated from fruiting bodies and culture filtrate and screened using Thin Layer Chromatography. Lovastatin (sigma) was used as the standard. The finding suggests the significant hypolipidemic activity of the aqueous ethanolic extract of P. florida.