Effect of an Herbal Supplement (Citrus Bergamia, Cinnamomum Cassia, Morus Alba L., Lagerstroemia Speciosa Pars., and Sesamum Indicum) on Diet-Induced Dyslipidemia in Hamsters

Background: Cholesterol levels in the blood are highly correlated with cardiovascular disease. Herbal extracts such as bergamot, cinnamon, mulberry leaves, and banaba leaves are rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, or phytic acid, which demonstrate potential lipid-regulating properties. Thus, this study investigates the effects of a herbal extract supplement on lipid modulation. Methods: In this study, Syrian hamsters were induced with hyperlipidemia using a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) and simultaneously supplemented with herbal supplements (HS) at doses of 0, 250.64, 504.20, and 1253.04 mg/kg, with nine hamsters in each group. After six weeks of intervention, lipid and cholesterol accumulation in the blood, liver, and feces was measured. Results: The results indicated that, following the six-week supplementation of HS, hyperlipidemic hamsters showed significant reductions in blood triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the LDL-C/ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, while the HDL-C/TC ratio significantly increased compared to the HCD control group. Additionally, TG and TC levels in both the liver and feces were significantly reduced. Conclusion: Overall, HS demonstrated lipid-regulating effects by decreasing cholesterol accumulation in the blood, liver, and feces, making it suitable for development as a dietary supplement for lipid modulation.