Investigation of the hypolipidemic activity of various Cassia absus (Linn) extracts in rats fed an atherogenic diet

The present study investigates the hypolipidemic potential of various extracts from the aerial parts of Cassia absus (Linn). Aerial parts of the plant were extracted using different solvents (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol) through Soxhlet extraction. The resulting concentrates were evaluated for hypolipidemic activity by administering a dose of 200 mg/kg/day to Wistar albino rats, which were induced with hyperlipidemia through an atherogenic diet (AD). The lipid profile was assessed by measuring plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and HDL cholesterol. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6/group). Group 1 was fed a standard chow diet; Group 2 was fed the atherogenic diet. Groups 3-6 received various treatments—petroleum ether extract, ethyl acetate extract, methanol extract and atorvastatin (1.2 mg/kg) respectively. After 9 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The methanol extract of Cassia absus significantly (p<0.001) reduced body weight, plasma and tissue levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, LDL, and VLDL, while increasing HDL cholesterol compared to the AD-treated group. These findings suggest that the methanol extract of Cassia absus has notable hypolipidemic effects, demonstrating both preventive and therapeutic potential against hyperlipidemia.