Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L., a local soft drink material and medicinal herb, is usually used effectively in native medicines against hypertension, pyrexia, and liver disorders. Here, we report an extract, HSE (H. sabdariffa extract), which is designed to exhibit hypolipidemia and antiatherosclerotic effects in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis. New Zealand White rabbits were fed with a normal diet, high cholesterol (1.3%), lard oil (3%) diet (HCD) with or without 0.5 or 1% HSE for 10 weeks. The levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were lower in the serum of rabbits fed HCD plus HSE than in the serum of rabbits fed HCD. Feeding HSE (0.5 and 1% in the diet) to rabbits significantly reduced severe atherosclerosis in the aorta. Histopathological examination showed that HSE reduced foam cell formation and inhibited smooth muscle cell migration and calcification in the blood vessel of rabbits. These results suggest that HSE inhibits serum lipids and shows an antiatherosclerotic activity.
Chen
Chang-Che
CC
Institute of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Hsu
Jeng-Dong
JD
Wang
San-Fa
SF
Chiang
Huei-Ching
HC
Yang
Mon-Yuan
MY
Kao
Erl-Shyh
ES
Ho
Yung-Chyan
YC
Wang
Chau-Jong
CJ
D000818:Animals; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004041:Dietary Fats; D031584:Hibiscus / Q000737:chemistry*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits
D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary; D004041:Dietary Fats; D008055:Lipids; D010936:Plant Extracts; C029310:lard