Beneficial effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Zuccagnia punctata against atherosclerosis in normal weight obesity accompanied by hypercholesterolemia rabbit model

VALOY, AGOSTINA; ALARCÓN, GABRIELA; ROCO, JULIETA; ZAMPINI, CATIANA IRIS; ISLA, MARÍA INES; JEREZ, SUSANA JOSEFINA

International Journal of Plant Based Pharmaceuticals

Int. J. Plant Bas. Pharm.

Año: 2023 vol. 3 p. 156 - 164

Insulin resistance (IR) increases the synthesis of cholesterol so hypercholesterolemia is one regular feature of obesity. Rich in flavonoids Zuccagnia punctata extract (Zp-E) is a traditional herbal medicine found to be beneficial against hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zp-E in a diet-induced rabbit model of IR accompanied by hypercholesterolemia. The major components of the Zp-E were analyzed by using a reversed-phase HPLC method. Male hybrid rabbits (cross between New Zealand and Californian certificated breeds) were separated into six groups: 1: fed on regular chow (SD), 2: fed on SD supplemented with 18% fat and 0.3% cholesterol (HC-HFD), 3, 4, 5: fed on HC-HFD and orally administered 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg GAE/day of Zp-E, respectively, 6: fed on HC-HFD and orally administered 2.5 mg ezetimibe/kg/day. All diets were administered for 6 weeks. The major compounds of Zp-E identified were chalcones: 2′,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone and 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone. Zp-E only at 2.5 mg GAE/day reduced total cholesterol and did not modify fasting glucose, visceral abdominal fat, or IR at any of the doses tested. Zp-E normalized TBARS levels, sudanophilic area, and intima/media ratio at all the doses tested while significantly improving acetylcholine relaxation only at 5 mg GAE/day. Despite Zp-E´s failure to prevent IR under hypercholesterolemic conditions, the extract showed protective effects on blood vessels by preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaque through its strong antioxidant properties