Hydro-Ethanolic Fruit Extract of Capsicum frutescens Reversed Triton-X-100-Induced Hyperlipidaemia in Rats

This study evaluates the anti-hyperlipidaemic and antioxidant activities of hydro-ethanolic fruits extract of Capsicum frutescens in hyperlipidemia rats. The secondary volatile metabolite constituents of the extract were identified using Gas chromatography. In vitro antioxidant activity of the extract (0.2-1.0 mg/mL) was investigated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl radical (OH^.). In vivo antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties of the extract were evaluated in triton X-100-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. Gas chromatogram indicates the presence of 13 compounds with tans β-ocimene being the major constituent. The extract scavenged DPPH, H₂O₂ and OH^. radicals in concentrations dependent manner. C. frutescens reversed triton X-100-mediated increase in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, and reduction in high-density lipoprotein. Triton X-100-mediated decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose 6-phospahte dehydrogenase were significantly reversed by the extract. The results indicate that C. frutescens has antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties.