Ajuga iva extract lowers plasma cholesterol and improves lipoprotein profile and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity in rats fed high cholesterol diet

The purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic and preventive effects of Ajuga iva(L) Schreber (Labiatae)(Ai)extracton hypercholesterolemic model rats. For this aim, male Wistar rats were fed a high-cholesterol (1%) diet to establish a hypercholesterolemia modelsupplemented or not with aqueous extract of Ajuga Iva(Ai)(5 g/kg diet)for 4 weeks. Ailowered plasma total cholesterol (TC) (18%) with a reduction in cholesteryl esters (CE) (29%). Low VLDL-TC and high HDL2-TC were observed in Aigroup. TC/HDL’s -C ratio was 1.64-fold lower, whereas HDL’s-C/LDL-HDL1-C was 1.82-fold higher in Aitreatedrats. Triacylglycerols(TG) were reduced in plasma and in VLDL but increased in HDL2and HDL3with Aisupplementation. Rats exposed to Aidiet lowered VLDL-unesterified cholesterol (UC), LDL-HDL1-amount and LDL-HDL1-CE but increased HDL3-CE. Low levels of liver phospholipids(PL) and high CE concentrations were observed in Ai group. In aorta, TC was decreased by 37% with Ai. Feeding Aidiet decreased HDL3-PL and increased HDL2-CE and plasma LCAT activity. Moreover, Aiadministration (5 g/kg for 4 weeks) improved liver and kidney function, as demonstrated by decreased plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and creatinine, and resulted in an increase of urinary and sodium excretion. We conclude that, in addition to its Strong C andTG-lowering effect, Aiimproves effectively the atherogenic lipoproteins profile by reducing the LDL-HDL1amount and increasing the HDL-cholesterol. Furthermore, Ai increases the reverse cholesterol transport by enhancement of cholesterol: acyltransferase (LCAT) activity. These beneficial effects are considered potential mechanisms through whichAiacts as a protective agent against cholesterol-induced damage, ensuring cardiovascular safety.