Effect of hydro-alcholic extract of Pelargonium graveolens L. on serum lipid profile in male rat

Abstract

Background: Hyperlipidemia is considered as the major modifiable risk factor in the process of cardiovascular disorders. Pelargonium graveolens has several medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydro-alcholic extract of Pelargonium graveolens (EPG) on serum lipid profile in male rat. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male Wistar rats (n=35, weight 180-200 gr) were divided in five equal groups: Control (normal diet); Sham1 and 2 high-fat diet(HFD) and HFDL (HFD + Lovastatin 20 mg/kg); Treatment groups 1 and 2 HFD + EPG (150mg/kg and 300mg/kg), respectively for 28 days. At the end of experiments, blood samples were collected directly from heart for serum lipid evaluation. All data were expressed as Mean±SE at a statistical significance difference level of P<0.05. Results: The data of this study showed that when compared to Sham group the consumption of EPG in animals fed by HFD, the serum levels of cholesterol, TG and LDL were decreased, while HDL was increased significantly (P<0.001). Conclusion: The use of EPG can play an important role in decreasing serum cholesterol level and other serum lipids compared to Lovastatin. This finding may be attributed to the presence of antioxidants in EPG and their cholesterol synthesis inhibition mechanisms