COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF ROSUVASTATIN AND FERULIC ACID ON LIPID HOMEOSTASIS AND ATHEROSCLEROTIC INDEX: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

BACKGROUND: Ferulic acid, a phenol with potent antioxidant properties, reduces lipid levels such as triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol. It inhibits lipid peroxidation, preserves lipid integrity, and affects enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, such as Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and lipoprotein lipase. Additionally, ferulic acid's anti-inflammatory effects help prevent atherosclerosis by reducing arterial inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of ferulic acid on lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic index and to compare the effects with a standard lipid-lowering drug (Rosuvastatin). METHODOLOGY: An experimental study at Khyber Girls’ Medical College (June 20 - July 15, 2024) involved 24 male BALB/c mice, divided into four groups. Groups III and IV received high-fat diets plus ferulic acid and rosuvastatin respectively. Lipid levels were measured after 42 days. Data were analyzed using SPSS and ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Group 1 (negative control) had normal lipid levels and Atherosclerotic index. Group 2 (high-fat diet) showed increased lipid levels and AI, with weight gain and lethargy. Group 3 (ferulic acid) and Group 4 (rosuvastatin) maintained healthy lipid levels and Atherosclerotic index (AI). ANOVA revealed significant efficacy (p < 0.001) for both treatments in lowering Triglycerides (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), LDL, and AI, and increasing High-density lipoprotein (HDL). CONCLUSION: Both ferulic acid and rosuvastatin significantly improved lipid profiles and reduced the atherosclerotic index in mice on a high-fat diet, normalizing TG, TC, LDL, and HDL levels, with highly significant efficacy (p < 0.0001). KEYWORDS: Ferulic Acid, Lipid homeostasis, Atherosclerotic index