Anti-Hyperlipidaemic and Heart Rate Lowering Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Viscum album (Mistletoe) in Hypercholesterolaemic Rats

Abstract

The anti-hyperlipidaemic and heart rate lowering potential of aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album (mistletoe) in hypercholesterolaemic rats was investigated in this study. The lethality studies showed that the aqueous extract of the plant had an LD50 value of 452.20mg/kg by intraperitoneal route. There were significant increases in the weights and in serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in hypercholesterolaemic rats when compared with the control. These were brought to near normal when treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of the Viscum album leaves and this action was dose-dependent.