STUDY OF PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTI-HYPERLIPEDEMIC ACTIVITY OF GARCINIA INDICA

This study explores the phytochemical composition and anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Garcinia indica hydroalcoholic extract derived from its fruit rinds in a diet-induced hyperlipidemic rat model. The extraction process yielded 6.50% from petroleum ether and 14.65% from the hydroalcoholic extract, with the latter exhibiting higher concentrations of bioactive compounds. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, and phenols, with the total phenolic content measured at 0.445 mg/100 mg and total flavonoids at 0.658 mg/100 mg. The antioxidant potential was assessed using free radical inhibition assays, where the extract demonstrated promising antioxidant properties, though less potent than ascorbic acid (IC50 of 45.61 µg/ml vs 12.60 µg/ml). Treatment with Garcinia indica hydroalcoholic extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while stabilizing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, indicating a lipid-lowering effect. Fecal analysis further revealed enhanced cholesterol and bile acid excretion, suggesting that the extract promotes the elimination of excess cholesterol. The results suggest that Garcinia indica extract exhibits significant lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects, supporting its potential use in managing hyperlipidemia and improving cardiovascular health. Further research is needed to explore its underlying mechanisms and clinical applicability in humans. Keywords: Garcinia indica, Hydroalcoholic extract, Hyperlipidemia, Antioxidant activity, Lipid profiles, Cholesterol management, Fecal cholesterol excretion