Hypolipemic and hypoglycemic activities of Prunus davidiana in high fat-fed rats

Blood lipid levels in rats with high fat-fed hyperlipemia were determined after intraperitoneal administration of a methanolic extract of Prunus davidiana Fr. stems. Administration of the methanolic extract for 6 days produced a significant decrease of blood triglyceride and total cholesterol, and the atherogenic index was also improved. In addition to the hypolipemic effect, the methanolic extract was also shown to be effective in reducing an elevated level of glucose in rats with hyperlipemia resulting from high-fat feeding. On the other hand, blood triglyceride and total cholesterol in rats fed with stock diet were not affected by administration of the methanolic extract even if there was a tendency to decrease. No significant change was also found in the level of glucose. Thus, it is suggested that this methanolic extract probably may increase the metabolic utilization only when fed with excess fat.