Multi-plant (Phoenix dactylifera and Cyperus esculentus) Effects on Regulating Diet Induced-hypercholesterolemia in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia also known as amplified blood cholesterol represent other forms of hyperlipidemia secondary to atherosclerosis is rising fast in our society. Natural remedies without potential harmful effects are increasing as well. It is against this backdrop that we investigated combined effects of Phoenix dactylifera and Cyperus esculentus against diet induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. In-bred, healthy non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats (11-17weeks, 153-177g) were grouped and orally administered (A1, B1, and C1 =300mg/kg b.w.; A2, B2, and C2 =600mg/kg b.w.; A3, B3, and C3 =900mg/kg b.w.; A4, B4, and C4 =1200mg/kg b.w and D = untreated, n=3) daily for 45days by oral intubation. Polypropylene cages in a sanitized aerated facility, bedded with sawdust housed all animals. They observed 7days adaptation to environmental temperature (25±5ºC), humidity (45±5%), and photoperiod (12:12 hr. day/night). Rats consumed high fat-dietary cholesterol diet to induce hypercholesterolemia and water provided ad libitum. Sera were used for lipid profiling (before, during, and after) following varying treatments plan. Lipid profile: TC (total cholesterol), ST (serum triglycerides), LDLC (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDLC (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were abnormal in pre-experimental phases (both test and control). Values were regulated after treatment particularly in 1200mg/kg b.w in rats administered P. dactylifera: TC50.17±2.7/dL, ST27.7±0.6mg/dL, LDL23.2±2.5mg/dL, HDL89.1 ± 3.9/dL; C. esculentus: TC41.03±2.3mg/dL, ST27.4±2.9mg/dL, LDL27.1±1.3mg/dL, HDL94.3±1.8mg/dL; and mix: TC32.77±3.8mg/dL, ST23.5±2.4mg/dL, LDL21.3±2.9mg/dL, HDL97.8±3.9mg/dL excluding control: TC92.62±0.3mg/dL, ST71.3±1.9mg/dL, LDL64.0±0.2mg/dL, and HDL21.3±1.1mg/dL (p < 0.05). Therefore, synergy of P. dactylifera and C. esculentus regulate hypercholesterolemia in rats while C. esculentus particularly is the super active constituent in the mix.

Keywords:  C. esculentus; P. dactylifera; lipid profile; hyperlipidemia; medicinal crops; experimental rats