Anti-atherogenic properties of <i>Plectranthus glandulosus</i> Hook. F. (Lamiaceae) leaves through lipid profile regulation, oxidative stress reduction, and aorta media thickening attenuation in high-fat diet-fed Sprague-Dawley rats

This study investigated the anti-atherogenic effects of <i>Plectranthus glandulosus</i> leaves aqueous, hydro-ethanolic extracts, and ethyl acetate fraction at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 21 d. As results, at the dose of 400 mg/kg, the ethyl acetate fraction significantly (<i>p</i> < .001) decreased the level of total cholesterol (112.52 ± 1.21 mg/dL), triglyceride (76.47 ± 0.97 mg/dL), and LDL-C (22.01 ± 2.92 mg/dL). Whereas, a significant (<i>p</i> < .001) increase was observed in the level of HDL-C (74.97 ± 1.99 mg/dL). Moreover, the atherogenic index significantly (<i>p</i> < .001) decreased (0.008 ± 0.00 mg/dL), while the percentage of atherogenic protection increased (99.13 ± 0.78%). The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased significantly (<i>p</i> < .001), while malondialdehyde concentration decreased. The thickening of aorta media (67.27 ± 7.15 µm) was also attenuated significantly (<i>p</i> < .001). Thus, our finding supports the use of <i>Plectranthus glandulosus</i> for future atherosclerosis drug discovery.