Negative effect of Alocasia macrorrhizos on the lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, there is considerable interest in the development of lipidlowering agents from natural products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
hypolipidemic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos (AM),
which is known to have anti-oxidant activity. Materials and Methods: Cholesterolrich high-fat-diet was used to induce hyperlipidemia. Rats were randomly assigned
to five groups of six rats each. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and high-fat-diet-fed
control, respectively. Group 3 received the standard drug, atorvastatin, while groups
4 and 5 received AM 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. High-fat-diet was fed for 45
days and treatment/vehicle was administered during the latter 30 days, following which
blood samples of anaesthetized rats obtained by cardiac puncture were sent for lipid
profile. Results: High-fat-diet significantly increased (P < 0.05) all the parameters of
lipid profile compared to group 1. Atorvastatin treatment significantly reduced total
cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, VLDL-C (P < 0.001), and triglyceride (P < 0.05), however,
there was no significant change in HDL-C compared to group 2. AM at both the doses
significantly reduced triglyceride and VLDL-C levels compared not only to group 2, but
also to group 3 (P < 0.05). There was no change in TC and HDL-C levels, however,
there was a significant dose related rise in the LDL-C level in the AM-treated groups
compared to group 2 (P < 0.05 at 250 mg/kg, P < 0.001 at 500 mg/kg). Conclusion:
The hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos at the dose of 250 and 500
mg/kg in rats significantly reduced triglyceride and VLDL-C levels; however, it increased
LDL-C. Hence, it may not be suitable as a lipid-lowering agent.