HAWTHORN (CRATAEGUS OXYCANTHA) BERRIES LOWERS ELEVATED SERUM LIPIDS IN LAB ANIMALS

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was investigate the antihyperlipidemic effect of Hawthorn berries (Crataegus oxycantha) after oral administration of crude extract in lab animals (albino rabbits), as well as to report the chemical analysis findings relating to major bioactive compounds (flavonoids and procyanidins) present in the species of C. oxycantha available in Pakistan. Albino rabbits were made hyperlipidemic by feeding an atherogenic diet formulation. The antihyperlipidemic test was carried out at one dose level, 100 mg / kg body weight. Blood samples were obtained from the animals of both groups (pl define groups briefly here also) before starting the experiment (for initial value), after feeding atherogenic diet for 30 days and then at 20, 40 and 60 days of the treatment. Both biochemical - alkaline phosphatase, SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST) and lipid profile - total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and Triglycerides were studied. The quantitative analysis of the bioactive compounds (Flavonoids and Procyanidins) of C. oxycantha (berries) was also performed (by using ultrasonic and classical maceration method). Promising antihyperlipidemic effect of Hawthorn berries was observed in lab animals. Significant reduction was noted in triglyceride, (upto 57.75%), total cholesterol, (71.33%) and LDL (84.03%), as compared to …………., while no difference recorded in the HDL profile between test and control group. All twelve subjects completed the study. No mortality was observed.