Evaluation of Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Leaf Extracts of Rivea hypocrateriformis (Desr.) in High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia Rat Model with Focus on Gene Expression

Background: Hyperlipidemia, characterized by a persistent elevation of lipid levels in the bloodstream, serves as a major indicator of cardiovascular risk. Although statin drugs are effective in managing this condition, their use is often accompanied with adverse side effects and drug reactions. Aim and Objective: In light of these limitations, the exploration of herbal and natural remedies for the treatment of hyperlipidemia has gained momentum. This study investigates the antihyperlipidemic potential of Rivea hypocrateriformis (Desr.) in experimental rats subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia model. Methodology: The study examines the potency of hypocrateriformis chloroform extract (HCE) and hypocrateriformis ethanol extract (HEE) of R. hypocrateriformis on the HFD-associated hyperlipidemia in two doses, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. The effect of extracts on the changes in body weight, lipid indices and levels, and antioxidant enzymes was measured using standard procedures. Results: HFD-induced hyperlipidemia groups exhibit significant enhancement in all measured parameters among the drug-treated groups. Higher dose normalized the values significantly compared to the standard drug, atorvastatin (20 mg/kg). The results of the antioxidant enzymes showed a significant lowering of oxidative-free radicals and improving antioxidant defense in extract-treated groups. In comparison, HEE showed a significant activity compared to HCE at both doses. Histopathology analysis showed decrease in the size of adipocytes in adipose tissue. This suggests that HEE and HCE may have an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis and could potentially reduce the accumulation of fat in adipose tissue. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that extracts of R. hypocrateriformis show antihyperlipidemic activity along with known antioxidant and inflammatory mechanisms, opening the scope for future research in developing lead molecules for treating the diseases effectively. Thus, the plant presents itself as a promising candidate which demands future research to improve cardiovascular health and overall life style of the patients.