Lagenaria siceraria ameliorates atheromatous lesions by modulating HMG–CoA reductase and lipoprotein lipase enzymes activity in hypercholesterolemic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antiatherosclerotic potential of Lagenaria siceraria (L. siceraria) by calculating percentage plaque area in aorta and grade of atheromatous lesions modulated by HMG–CoA reductase enzyme and lipoprotein lipase enzymes levels in hyperlipidemic rats.MethodsRats were divided into different groups, fed with high cholesterol atherogenic diet and in addition supplemented with ethanolic extract of fruits of L. siceraria and standard drug atorvastatin. At the end of the treatment schedule, the atherosclerotic lesion area was measured in cross-sections of the aortic root and grading of atherosclerotic lesions was done. The blood samples from animals of different groups were evaluated for serum lipid profile determination and plasma lipoprotein lipase activity and the hepatic HMG-CoA activity was also determined.ResultsTreatment of rats with ethanolic extract of fruits of L. siceraria significantly lowers the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering percentage plaque area in aorta and grade of atheromatous lesions in hypercholesterolemic rats and also serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL–c, VLDL–c and increased HDL–c levels as well. The extract also induced lipoprotein lipase activity and significantly decreased cholesterogenesis in liver by reducing HMG-CoA reductase activity in hypercholeaterolemic rats.ConclusionIt can be concluded that ethanolic extract of fruits of L. siceraria contains active components which ameliorates the atheromatous lesions in rat aorta and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rats.