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Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine Exerted Anti-Hyperlipidemic, Anti-Hyperglycemic and Hepatoprotective Effects in
Hamza Elbouny1, Brahim Ouahzizi1, Imane Elhassani1
1Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia, Morocco.
Insights
Thymus atlanticus extract prevented high-fat, high-sugar diet effects in rats, reducing lipids and inflammation. This natural remedy shows promise for liver and cardiovascular protection, pending human trials.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Natural Product Research
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global health concern.
- Medicinal plants offer potential for CVD prevention due to bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of Thymus atlanticus (T. atlanticus) aqueous extract against diet-induced hyperlipidemia in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Rats were fed a high-fat and sugar diet (HFSD).
- One group received T. atlanticus extract (500 mg/kg bw) orally.
- Blood and liver samples were analyzed biochemically after 8 weeks.
Main Results:
- HFSD increased lipids, glucose, liver enzymes, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
- T. atlanticus extract significantly reduced plasmatic lipids (TGs, LDL-C), glycated hemoglobin, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP).
- Thyme extract also decreased hepatic lipids, improved oxidative status, and reduced inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Aqueous T. atlanticus extract protects against HFSD-induced damage.
- Supplementation with T. atlanticus extract is a potential strategy for liver and cardiovascular system protection.
- Clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings in humans.
Background:
Cardiovascular disease continues to be a major global health challenge, characterized by high rates of mortality and morbidity. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds, offer potential avenues for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Objective:
The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of Thymus atlanticus (T. atlanticus) aqueous extract in preventing hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFSD) in a rat model.
Methods:
Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=5). The first group (normal control group) received a normal basal diet. The second group (HFSD group) received a HFSD containing a normal diet (68.5%), fat (15%), cholesterol (1.5%), and sucrose (15%). The third group (HFSD treated with thyme extract) received the HFSD and was administered orally with T. atlanticus extract (500 mg/kg bw). After 8 weeks, blood and liver samples were taken for biochemical analysis.
Results:
The results showed that HFSD intake elevated plasmatic lipids, blood fasting glucose, hepatic biochemical parameters, and inflammation. Moreover, HFSD resulted in increased liver weight, hepatic lipids, and oxidative stress. However, the treatment with T. atlanticus extract attenuated the altered parameters by lowering or restoring the levels of plasmatic lipids (TGs: -12.21 %; LDL-C: - 21.49 %), glycated hemoglobin (-23.33 %), hepatic parameters (AST: -25.04 %; ALT: -10.42%; ALP: -42.81%), and inflammation. Additionally, thyme extract reduced the levels of hepatic lipids (TGs: -21.13 %; TC: -12.77 %) and ameliorated hepatic oxidative status by reducing malondialdehyde levels (-10.87 %) and enhancing the antioxidant effect (+25.71 %) of hepatic extract.
Conclusion:
We conclude that the traditionally used aqueous extract of T. atlanticus protected against the detrimental effects of HFSD intake, and its supplementation would be an effective strategy to protect the liver and cardiovascular system. While promising, these benefits need to be validated through clinical trials.
