EXPLORING HEMIDESMUS INDICUS AS A HYPOLIPIDEMIC AGENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH ROSUVASTATIN IN RATS

Abstract

In the perpetual quest for novel drugs characterized by heightened efficacy and diminished
side effects, statins have emerged as potent yet not entirely side-effect-free agents for
hyperlipidaemia. Herbal remedies, celebrated for their cost-effectiveness and minimal
adverse effects. Among them, Hemidesmus indicus (H. indicus) stands out due to its
recognized hypolipidemic activity and wide prevalence in India. This study aims to scrutinize
the efficacy of H. indicus as a hypolipidemic agent, comparing it with Rosuvastatin in a
cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidaemia rat model.
Methods: Hyperlipidaemia was induced in male albino rats of the Wistar strain during the
initial 30-day feeding period, persisting through the subsequent 30-day treatment phase. The
aqueous root extract of H. indicus (administered at 50 and 100 mg/kg, per oral) served as the
test drug during the treatment period, while Rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg, per oral) functioned as
the standard drug. Serum lipid profile, atherogenic index, and body weights were assessed on
the day preceding the feeding period commencement and on days 0, 15, and 30 of the
treatment period. Statistical analysis involved student’s unpaired and paired t-tests where
applicable.
Results: Significant reductions (p < 0.001) in TC, TG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C, coupled with
substantial elevations (p < 0.001) in HDL-C, were observed in both the Rosuvastatin and test
groups. However, the Rosuvastatin group exhibited higher percentage reductions in lipid levels, percentage elevations of HDL-C, and protection from atherosclerosis compared to the
test groups.
Conclusions: H. indicus manifests a distinct hypolipidemic potential. While its effectiveness
trails behind Rosuvastatin, its beneficial role as a hypolipidemic agent needs clinical
exploration