ASSESSMENT OF LIPID-LOWERING POTENTIAL OF COMBRETUM COMOSUM EXTRACT IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC RATS

Vivek Kumar*, Kehar Singh Dhaker, Akhlesh Kumar Singhai

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, safety, and antihyperlipidemic activity of the ethanolic extract of Combretum comosum leaves using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Materials and Methods: Leaves of Combretum comosum were collected, dried, and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using ethanol. The extract was evaluated for preliminary phytochemical constituents and quantitatively analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Acute oral toxicity was performed in Wistar rats. Antihyperlipidemic activity was evaluated using a high-fat diet-induced model, with animals divided into control, negative control, standard (simvastatin-treated), and extract-treated groups (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). Serum lipid profile and liver function parameters were analyzed using standard biochemical methods. Results: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids. The extract exhibited significant TPC (49.11 mg GAE/g) and TFC (30.4 mg RE/g). In the DPPH assay, the extract showed notable antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 48.68 μg/mL. Acute toxicity studies indicated no mortality or severe toxic effects up to 2000 mg/kg. In vivo studies demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and VLDL levels, along with improvement in HDL levels. Additionally, liver enzyme markers (ALT, AST, ALP) and bilirubin levels were significantly normalized in treated groups and improving liver structure as indicated by histopathological analysis. Higher doses resulted in better restoration of liver architecture and reduced fatty changes. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Combretum comosum exhibits significant antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of hyperlipidemia and associated liver disorders.

Keywords: Combretum comosum, Antihyperlipidemic, Acute toxicity, Total flavonoid content and Antioxidant.