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Hypocholesterolemic and Antiatherosclerotic Potential of Basella alba Leaf Extract in Hypercholesterolemia-Induced
Gunasekaran Baskaran1, Shamala Salvamani1, Azrina Azlan2
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Hypercholesterolemia is the major risk factor that leads to atherosclerosis. Nowadays, alternative treatment using medicinal plants gained much attention since the usage of statins leads to adverse health effects, especially liver and muscle toxicity. This study was designed to investigate the hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of Basella alba (B. alba) using hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 5 groups and fed with varying diets: normal diet, 2% high cholesterol diet (HCD), 2% HCD + 10 mg/kg simvastatin, 2% HCD + 100 mg/kg B. alba extract, and 2% HCD + 200 mg/kg B. alba extract, respectively. The treatment with B. alba extract significantly lowered the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and increased HDL and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) levels. The elevated levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and creatine kinase were noted in hypercholesterolemic and statin treated groups indicating liver and muscle injuries. Treatment with B. alba extract also significantly suppressed the aortic plaque formation and reduced the intima: media ratio as observed in simvastatin-treated group. This is the first in vivo study on B. alba that suggests its potential as an alternative therapeutic agent for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
Insights
Basella alba extract effectively lowers high cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis in rabbits. This natural remedy shows promise as a safer alternative to statins, reducing liver and muscle damage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis.
- Statins, while effective, can cause adverse liver and muscle toxicity.
- Medicinal plants are gaining attention as alternative treatments for hypercholesterolemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of Basella alba (B. alba) extract.
- To evaluate B. alba as a potential alternative therapeutic agent for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Hypercholesterolemia was induced in New Zealand white rabbits using a high-cholesterol diet (HCD).
- Rabbits were divided into five groups: normal diet, HCD, HCD + simvastatin, HCD + 100 mg/kg B. alba, and HCD + 200 mg/kg B. alba.
- Lipid profiles, antioxidant enzyme levels, liver enzymes, creatine kinase, and aortic plaque formation were assessed.
Main Results:
- B. alba extract significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels.
- B. alba treatment increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx) and did not elevate liver enzymes (AST, ALT) or creatine kinase.
- B. alba suppressed aortic plaque formation and reduced the intima:media ratio, similar to simvastatin.
Conclusions:
- Basella alba extract demonstrates significant hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects in vivo.
- B. alba may serve as a safer alternative to statins, mitigating liver and muscle toxicity.
- This study highlights the therapeutic potential of B. alba for managing hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
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