Abstract of research

Biochemical role of asparagus in regulation of cholesterol metabolism and improvement of antioxidants status in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Yakout, A. El-senosi1; Yousef Mohamed Ali2; Wasfi, A.A3and Aboalella, M.S.

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia are well-recognized major risk factors of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Root of Asparagus racemosus (AR) is widely used in Ayurvedic system of medicine in India and is known for its steroidal saponin content. This study was designed to investigate the possible hypocholesterolemic effect and antioxidant potential of AR root in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in normal rats by fed a normal diet containing 0.75% cholesterol and 1.5 g % bile salt for 8 weeks. Dried root powder of Asparagus racemosus was administrated to the hypercholesterolemic and normal rats as feed supplement a dose level of 200mg/kg/B.W and 400mg/Kg/B.W for a duration of 6 weeks. Serum and hepatic lipid profiles, serum HMG-CoA reductase and antioxidants enzymatic status determined. Feed supplementation with AR root powder resulted in a significant decrease in serum and hepatic lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats and HMG-CoA reductase activity. However, the activities of catalase, SOD, Glutathione peroxidase and Glutathione reductase were significantly increased in both the experimental groups. The results of the present study indicate that the addition of AR root as feed supplement reduced serum and hepatic lipid concentration and elevated of hepatic antioxidant status in hypercholesterolemic rats. It could be concluded that AR root administration could ameliorate hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic condition.