Hypolipidaemic effect of crude extract from Carpobrotus rossii (pigface) in healthy rats.
Carpobrotus rossii (CR) was used by the Aboriginal population and early European settlers both as a food and therapeutic agent. Based on the presence of flavonoids in CR and results from our previous in vitro investigations, this study aimed to determine whether consumption of CR crude leaf extract: (a) affected lipoprotein profile, resting glucose, systolic blood pressure and vascular function, and (b) produced toxic effects (haematological measures, organ weight) in healthy rats. Male Hooded-Wistar rats (~230 g) were supplemented for 4 weeks with CR extract in their drinking water (35 mg/kg body weight daily). CR extract produced a significant decrease (18%, p=0.033) in atherogenic lipoproteins (but not high density lipoprotein). CR supplemented animals showed no signs of haematological toxicity and body and organ weight, daily fluid and food consumption and in vitro vascular responsiveness were similar for both groups. CR also increased (40%, p=0.049) the renal concentration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (HMG), consistent with HMG-containing CR flavonoids being bioavailable, and therefore possessing the potential to interfere with cholesterol synthesis pathways. CR extract appears to be safe to ingest and may reduce cardiovascular risk.
University of Tasmania, School of Pharmacy, Private Bag 26, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia.
Adam D
AD
Pirie
University of Tasmania, Central Science Laboratory, Private Bag 74, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia.
Noel W
NW
Davies
University of Tasmania, School of Human and Life Sciences, Locked Bag 1320, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia.
Kiran D K
KD
Ahuja
University of Tasmania, School of Human and Life Sciences, Locked Bag 1320, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia.
Murray J
MJ
Adams
University of Tasmania, School of Human and Life Sciences, Locked Bag 1320, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia.
Cecilia M
CM
Shing
University of Tasmania, School of Pharmacy, Private Bag 26, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia.
Christian
C
Narkowicz
University of Tasmania, School of Pharmacy, Private Bag 26, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia.
Glenn A
GA
Jacobson
University of Tasmania, School of Human and Life Sciences, Locked Bag 1320, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia. Electronic address: D.Geraghty@utas.edu.au.
Dominic P
DP
Geraghty
D035722:Aizoaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
D008055:Lipids; D010936:Plant Extracts
Cardiovascular; Carpobrotus spp.; Flavonoid; Lipid; Polyphenolic; Toxicology