Evaluation of Hypolipidemic Activity of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Leaf in Atherodiet-induced Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: Hyperlipidemia has been ranked as one of the greatest risk factors contributing to prevalence and severity of coronary heart diseases. The present study has been taken up to evaluate hypolipidemic activity of hydro alcoholic extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. leaf, as this plant is widely used by the local healers of South India for treatment of various illnesses. Materials and methods: The experiment was carried out in atherodiet-induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar Albino rats. The experiment duration was 28 days and it comprised six groups, such as healthy control, extract control, disease control, treatment group low dose, treatment group high dose, and standard drug (SD). The biochemical investigations including lipid profile with Atherogenic Index and Coronary Risk Index, and other metabolic parameters were evaluated using standard protocols. Histopathology studies for vital organs of animals were also carried out. Results: The study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of C. halicacabum L. leaf has significant hypolipidemic activity in the atherodiet-induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats when compared with the disease control group. The histopathology study also evidenced the safety of the extract. Conclusion: The study concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract of C. halicacabum L. has significant hypolipidemic activity at the prescribed dosages. Clinical relevance: As the plant has shown promising effect in the aspect of hypolipidemic activity, further studies have to be carried out for developing of new product as single drug and in the formulations of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) system of medicines for management of hyperlipidemia.