Purpose: To investigate the hypolipidemic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of
Carmona microphylla
(Lam.) G. Don. (CAE) in vitro and
in vivo.
Methods: The lipid-lowering effect of CAE was investigated in oleic acid (OA)-induced steatosis in
HepG2 liver cells, as well as in high-fat diet (HFD)- and triton WR-1339 (TRI)-induced hyperlipidemic
mice. The levels of intracellular, serum and/or hepatic total cholesterol (TC); triglyceride (TG); low
density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c); high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c); hepatic superoxide
dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by oil-red O staining and
appropriate kits.
Results: Treatment with CAE inhibited lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and reduced the elevated
levels of serum TC, TG and LDL-c as well as hepatic TC and TG in hyperlipidemic mice induced by
HFD. CAE administration also significantly decreased arteriosclerosis index (AI) and LDL-c/HDL-c ratio,
but improved oxidative status as revealed by increased hepatic SOD activity and decreased MDA level.
The lipid ameliorating and antioxidative effects of CAE (600 mg/kg) were comparable to those of the
standard lipid-lowering drug, sivastatin (5 mg/kg).
Conclusion: These results suggest that
Condalia microphylla
aqueous extract (CAE) protects against
hyperlipidemia induced by HFD in mice and may find therapeutic application in hyperlipidemic patients.
