Comparative cholesterol-lowering effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Paederia foetida and Abrus precatorius: an in vivo study

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although statins are effective, their long-term use may be associated with adverse effects, encouraging investigation of plant-derived alternatives. Comparative in vivo evidence regarding the cholesterol-lowering effects of Paederia foetida and Abrus precatorius remains limited. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the cholesterol-lowering effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of P. foetida and A. precatorius in an experimental model of hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Fifty-four mice were randomly allocated into nine groups, including negative and positive controls, a simvastatin group, and three dose groups each of P. foetida and A. precatorius extracts (3.5, 7, and 14 mg/20 g body weight). Hypercholesterolemia was induced using propylthiouracil and a high-fat diet. The extracts were administered for three days. Changes in total cholesterol levels were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Cholesterol reduction differed significantly among the experimental groups (p<0.001). Both extracts reduced total cholesterol compared with the positive control. At the highest tested dose (14 mg/20 g body weight), A. precatorius showed a numerically greater reduction than P. foetida (25.33 vs. 19.17 mg/dL), while simvastatin produced the greatest reduction (48.67 mg/dL). Conclusions: Both extracts demonstrated cholesterol-lowering activity in hypercholesterolemic mice, with A. precatorius showing greater efficacy than P. foetida at the highest tested dose.