Beneficial effects of crude extract of Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. in hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of crude extract of Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. (CEEL) on reducing hyperlipidemia and preventing atherosclerosis induced with a high cholesterol diet (HCD) in rabbits. The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower in the serum of rabbits fed HCD plus CEEL or simvastatin than in the serum of rabbits fed HCD. Rabbits in the CEEL and simvastatin groups showed a significant decrease in the expression of C-reactive protein, an increase in the level of NO and low level expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 compared with the model group (fed with HCD). Feeding CEEL to rabbits significantly reduced severe atherosclerosis in the aorta. Histopathological examination showed that CEEL reduced foam cell formation and inhibited smooth muscle cell migration in the blood vessel of rabbits. These effects may account for beneficial effects of CEEL in hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.