ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC AND ANTIOBESITY EFFECTS OF PARMOTREMA TINCTORUM ETHANOLIC EXTRACT IN OLIVE OIL INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIC RATS

Abstract

     Background: Hyperlipidemia and obesity are prevalent global health concerns linked to increased risks of atherosclerosis, coronary artery diseases, and cerebral vascular diseases due to elevated blood lipid levels. Targeting these conditions via natural agents presents a potential therapeutic avenue. Methodology: Using an olive oil-induced hyperlipidemic rat model, the study evaluated the antihyperlipidemic and antiobesity effects of ethanolic extract from Parmotrema tinctorum. Rats were divided into distinct treatment groups, receiving simvastatin, distilled water (control), and two doses of the extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). The experiment spanned 28 days. Result: The administration of Parmotrema tinctorum extract resulted in significant reductions in body and liver weight gain. The serum lipid profile demonstrated dose-dependent decreases in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). Moreover, atherogenic index and blood glucose levels were notably reduced. The effect of extract was attributed to potential anorectic actions mediated through the central nervous system. The extract did not influence gastric emptying and showed the inhibition of de novo cholesterol biosynthesis. Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of ethanolic extract from Parmotrema tinctorum as a dual-action therapeutic agent for addressing hyperlipidemia and obesity. The findings underscore its capacity to modulate lipid metabolism, offering potential implications for managing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its observed effects and to explore its translational potential in clinical settings.