Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of hyperforin: An in vivo study in rats

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the putative antihyperlipidemic activity of hyperforin in fructose fed hyperlipidemic rats and its hypolipidemic activity in normal rats. Hyperlipidemia was induced in rats by replacing drinking water with 10% fructose solution. Fructose feeding has elevated plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, whereas plasma HDL-cholesterol level has been decreased. Hyperforin treatment (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in fructose fed rats has shown to decrease the elevated levels of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and it has elevated the decreased levels of HDL-cholesterol. Treatment with a standard antihyperlipidemic drug, atorvastatin has also produced similar results. However, hyperforin treatment has not shown significant effect on lipid profile of normolipidemic rats. The results of the present study indicate that hyperforin has significant antihyperlipidemic activity, which is qualitatively comparable to that of atorvastatin.