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Pharmacological Action of Mentha piperita on Lipid Profile in Fructose-Fed Rats
Rajendra Mani Badal1, Divya Badal, Pourush Badal
1Government Ayurvedic Hospital, Barua Sagar, Jhansi, U.P.-284001, India.
Insights
Mentha piperita extract effectively lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats with hyperlipidemia. This herbal remedy shows promise for managing cardiovascular disease risk factors without side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Phytotherapy
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, with hyperlipidemia a significant risk factor.
- Current hypolipidemic drugs have associated side effects, driving interest in safer alternatives.
- Herbal treatments offer a potentially low-cost, accessible option for managing hyperlipidemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lipid-lowering effects of Mentha piperita (peppermint) aqueous extract.
- To evaluate the impact of Mentha piperita on serum glucose, lipid profiles, and atherogenic indices.
- To assess the antioxidant activity of Mentha piperita in a hyperlipidemia model.
Main Methods:
- Fructose-fed albino rats were administered Mentha piperita aqueous extract (100 mg/Kg, 250 mg/Kg daily) for three weeks.
- Serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, HDL-ratio, and atherogenic index were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mentha piperita extract significantly reduced elevated glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, and LDL levels (p < 0.05).
- The extract increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the HDL-ratio.
- Significant antioxidant activity was observed, alongside a reduction in the atherogenic index.
Conclusions:
- Mentha piperita aqueous extract demonstrates significant efficacy in managing fructose-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.
- The herb effectively improves key markers of cardiovascular risk, including lipid profiles and atherogenic indices.
- Mentha piperita presents a promising, safe, and natural therapeutic option for hyperlipidemia and associated cardiovascular risks.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases with an incidence of approximately 50% are the main causes of death in most advanced countries and an increasing trend in the developing world as well. The World Health Organization estimates that 12 million people per year worldwide die from cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are becoming an increasing problem worldwide and hypercholesterolemia has been correlated for coronary heart diseases. Nearly all lipoproteins are involved in this process including cholesterol carried by very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), remnant lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins (LDL). Currently, available hypolipidemic drugs have been associated with the number of side effects. Herbal treatment for hyperlipidemia poses no side effects and is relatively cheap and locally available. In view of this, the present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Menthe piperita on serum lipid levels of albino rats. Mentha piperita aqueous extract (100 mg/Kg, 250 mg/Kg p.o. daily) was fed for 3 weeks on fructose-fed rats and the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, and atherogenic index was measured. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (6 per group). The results of present study indicate that Mentha piperita had significant beneficial effects against fructose-induced hyperlipidemia and showed good antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract of the plant produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in elevated levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and atherogenic index and also increased the high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and HDL-ratio without affecting serum insulin levels in fructose-fed rats.
