Anti-atherogenic properties of a functional herbal mixture

Abstract

In this work, anti-atherogenic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of a herbal mixture, rich in polyphenols, and composed of 35% of buckthorn bark (Frangulae cortex), 20% of mint leaves (Menthae piperita folium), 20% of caraway fruit (Carvi fructus) and 25% of parsley fruit (Petroselinum fructus) were studied by monitoring biochemical parameters in experimental animals. Experimental animals (Wistar rats) were subjected to five different feeding regimes. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, cholesterol bound to high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and cholesterol linked to low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were monitored in different time periods. The feces of experimental animals was analysed for seven bile acids, as well as for total cholesterol. Simultaneously, the activities of alanine aminotranferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. The introduction of herbal mixture into fatty food did not have significant influence on enzyme activities; however, the effect on induced hyperlipidemia was significant. Total atherogenic index was reduced by 43.3%, whereas total cholesterol and cholesterol bound to low density lipoproteins were reduced by 18.2% and 18.8%, respectively. Total bile acids concentrations dropped by 13.2%, whereas cholesterol was reduced by 33%.