Introduction: Cynara scolymus L. (Artichoke) grows in Egypt and other countries. It is used as foods and has medicinal properties. Artichoke extracts have been shown to produce various pharmacological effects, such as the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis and low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation.
Purpose: To study the effect of Cynara scolymus L. and its extract on lipid profile of hyperlipidemic male rats.
Study Design: Eighty male albino rats, Sprague-Dawley strain, weighing (204.0±10) were housed individually in wire-mesh cages. Induction of hyperlipidemia was carried out on all rats except negative control group by addition of cholesterol to the basal diet (2%) +0.25 bile salts (taurocholic) for 4 weeks. After that the rats were divided into 8 groups (10 rats each), the first (1st) and 2nd groups was negative (normal) and positive control groups (hyperlipidemic), groups from G 3: G8, they were fed on basal diet supplemented with 2 level of extract (4 & 8 %) of either heads, heads, or leaves extract. At the end of the experimental period (6 weeks treatment) rats were fasted over night before sacrificing, blood was collected, centrifuged; serum or plasma was stored at - 20 0C until analysis. Lipid profile and triacylglycerol were measured.
Results and Discussion: Artichoke extracts (plant, head, and leaves) significantly reduced cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and triacylglycerol. No change was observed with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Heads extract being more powerful. This effect may be due to its content of mono- and di-caffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids and other contents or through inhibition of LDL oxidation.
Conclusion: artichoke extract seems to be positively modulate hypercholesterolemia and can provide a protection from cardiovascular diseases.