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Effect of Hypericum perforatum Aqueous Extracts on Serum Lipids, Aminotransferases, and Lipid Peroxidation in
Mohammad Hassan Ghosian Moghaddam1, Mehrdad Roghani2, Maryam Maleki3
1Department of Biochemistry, Shahed University, Tehran, IR Iran.
Insights
Extract of Hypericum perforatum (EHP) effectively lowered LDL cholesterol and reduced oxidative stress markers in hyperlipidemic rats. This study suggests EHP as a potential natural treatment for managing hyperlipidemia and associated risks.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Phytochemistry
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hyperlipidemia, characterized by high total cholesterol (TCH), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CH), and triglycerides (TG), significantly increases coronary heart disease risk.
- Flavonoids and antioxidants are recognized for their beneficial impact on managing hyperlipidemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Hypericum perforatum extract (EHP) on serum lipid profiles (TCH, TG, LDL-CH).
- To assess EHP's impact on liver enzymes (aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) and lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemic rat models.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two male rats were divided into control, control + EHP, hyperlipidemia, and hyperlipidemia + EHP groups.
- Hyperlipidemia was induced via a high-fat diet for 60 days; EHP (300 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 2 weeks.
- Serum lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed post-treatment.
Main Results:
- EHP administration significantly reduced LDL-CH in both control and hyperlipidemic rats (P < 0.05).
- Total cholesterol (TCH) was significantly lowered in the control + EHP group (P < 0.05).
- Markers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT) were significantly decreased in the hyperlipidemia + EHP group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Hypericum perforatum extract (EHP) demonstrated efficacy in reducing LDL-CH levels.
- EHP significantly mitigated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation markers associated with hyperlipidemia.
- EHP shows potential as a pharmacological agent for managing blood lipids, lipid peroxidation, and aminotransferase levels.
Background:
Patients with high levels of total cholesterol (TCH), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CH), and triglyceride (TG) are at increased risk of coronary heart disease. Studies have shown that flavonoids and antioxidant compounds have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia.
Objectives:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of extract of Hypericum perforatum (EHP) on the serum lipid profile (TCH, TG, and LDL-CH), aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemic rats.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-two male rats weighting 200 ± 10 g were randomly divided into four experimental groups: 1) control, 2) control + EHP, 3) hyperlipidemia, and 4) hyperlipidemia + EHP. The rats in the hyperlipidemic groups were fed a high-fat diet for 60 days, and EHP (300 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for 2 weeks in the rats in the second and fourth groups. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples from each group were analyzed.
Results:
There was a significant reduction in LDL-CH in the control + EHP group and the hyperlipidemia + EHP group (P < 0.05). TCH was significantly reduced in the control + EHP group (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the levels of TG and HDL-CH. Malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly reduced in the hyperlipidemia + EHP group (P < 0.05), with no significant change in alkaline phosphatase.
Conclusions:
EHP was able to both reduce LDL-CH and to significantly decrease markers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation induced by hyperlipidemia. Therefore, this herb, as a new pharmacological component, could be used to reduce certain blood lipids, lipid peroxidation, and aminotransferase markers.
