Evaluation of Hypolipidemic Activity of <i>Ceiba pentandra</i> (L.) Gaertn. Leaves Extract in Experimental Rat Model

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases, significantly contributing to cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Plant-based treatments, particularly those rich in flavonoids, are recognized for their safety and efficacy in managing hyperlipidemia. Ceiba pentandra Gaertn. (Silk Cotton tree), a tropical plant from the Malvaceae family, is of particular interest for its potential hypolipidemic properties. Aim: To evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of 80 % hydroalcoholic extract of C. pentandra leaves (CPHAE) in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: Hyperlipidemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by administering a high-fat diet (Indian vanaspati ghee: coconut oil, 3:1 v/v) for 21 days. CPHAE (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) was administered from day 21 to day 42. Atorvastatin served as the standard drug. Lipid parameters, including Triglycerides (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), and the Atherogenic Index, were assessed and compared between groups. Results: The high-fat diet significantly (p<0.05) elevated lipid parameters, including TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL levels, and increased the Atherogenic Index. Treatment with CPHAE at both doses significantly (p<0.05) reduced lipid parameters. Notably, the higher dose (500 mg/kg) of CPHAE exhibited a significant hypolipidemic effect comparable to the standard drug, Atorvastatin. The Atherogenic Index also decreased significantly in the treatment groups. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the potential of C. pentandra leaf extract, particularly at higher doses, as a promising agent for the management of diet-induced hyperlipidemia. Further studies may confirm its clinical efficacy and safety. Major Findings: Pre-clinical evaluation of 80% hydro-alcoholic extract of Ceiba pentandra Gaertn. (Silk Cotton tree) leaves which contains high flavonoid exhibit its hypolipidemic effect and diminish atherogenic index at higher dose. These effects were evaluated in Rat model of high-fat diet (Indian vanaspati ghee: coconut oil, 3:1 v/v) induced hyperlipidemia.