title: The effect of hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of Heracleum persicum on lipid profile in cholesterol-fed rabbits.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of Heracleum persicum (Apiaceae) on lipid profile of male hyperlipidemic rabbits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into six groups of five each. One group received normal diet and the other groups fed with a high cholesterol (2% W/W) diet for 7 weeks. Vehicle, hydroalcoholic extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg), essential oil (200  l/kg), and lovastatin (5 mg/kg) were administered orally to animals and their effects on lipid profile were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Essential oil of H. perscum significantly (p<0.05) lowered serum triglyceride level and increased HDL-cholesterol concentration. Moreover, hydroalcoholic extract (1000 mg/kg), essential oil (200  l/kg), and lovastatin significantly (p<0.01) reduced serum concentration of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that essential oil of the plant fruits may have some benefits in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I. R. Iran.
authors: Valiollah
authors: V
authors: Hajhashemi
authors: Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I. R. Iran.
authors: Gholamreza
authors: G
authors: Dashti
authors: Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I. R. Iran.
authors: Salabali
authors: S
authors: Saberi
authors: Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I. R. Iran.
authors: Parvin
authors: P
authors: Malekjamshidi
keywords: Essential oil; Heracleum persicum; Hyperlipidemia