Effects of Peperomia pellucida (L.) methanolic extract on total cholesterol levels and liver histology of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

Abstract

Background: Peperomia pellucida, locally known in the Philippines as pansit-pansitan, is an annual herb with many ethnomedicinal properties.

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic property of P. pellucida
methanolic extract (PPME) through measurement of its effects on total blood cholesterol level and liver
histology of hypercholesterolemic rats.

Methodology: Thirty experimental male rats were divided into six groups: Group I was fed with standard diet; Group II was fed with High Cholesterol Diet (HCD) only; Groups III, IV and V were fed with HCD and treated with PPME at 200, 400 and 800 mg kg-1 bwt respectively; Group VI was fed with HCD and treated with atorvastatin; and, Group 7 was fed with 400mg/kg PPME. Total Blood Cholesterol (TBC) levels were monitored, liver histology was analysed, and results were compared with the control and atorvastatin-treated group.

Results: Administration of different doses of PPME in hypercholesterolemic rats significantly reduced total blood cholesterol similar to Atorvastatin, a known anticholesterolemic drug. Furthermore, PPME particularly at a concentration of 400mg kg-1 bwt was effective in ameliorating liver damages induced by high cholesterol diet as shown by qualitative and quantitative histological assessment.

Conclusion: This investigation suggests that PPME at a concentration of 400 mg/kg bwt is a potential
antihypercholesterolemic agent. Further studies have to be taken to better the understanding on the
mechanisms of actions of PPME on how it modulates liver damage in hypercholesterolemic conditions.