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

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) increases the synthesis of cholesterol so hypercholesterolemia is one regular featureof obesity. Rich in flavonoids Zuccagnia punctata extract (Zp-E) is a traditional herbal medicine found to bebeneficial against hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effectsof Zp-E in a diet-induced rabbit model of IR accompanied by hypercholesterolemia. The major componentsof the Zp-E were analyzed by using a reversed-phase HPLC method. Male hybrid rabbits (cross betweenNew 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 andorally administered 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg GAE/day of Zp-E, respectively, 6: fed on HC-HFD and orallyadministered 2.5 mg ezetimibe/kg/day. All diets were administered for 6 weeks. The major compounds ofZp-E identified were chalcones: 2′,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone and 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone. Zp-E onlyat 2.5 mg GAE/day reduced total cholesterol and did not modify fasting glucose, visceral abdominal fat, orIR at any of the doses tested. Zp-E normalized TBARS levels, sudanophilic area, and intima/media ratio at allthe doses tested while significantly improving acetylcholine relaxation only at 5 mg GAE/day. Despite Zp-E´sfailure to prevent IR under hypercholesterolemic conditions, the extract showed protective effects on bloodvessels by preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaque through its strong antioxidant properties.