ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC POTENTIAL OF MATTEUCCIA STRUTHIOPTERIS ETHANOLIC EXTRACT IN HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIC RATS

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, contributing to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. This study evaluated the antihyperlipidemic activity of an ethanolic extract of Matteuccia struthiopteris aerial parts (EEDE) in Wistar rats with dietinduced hyperlipidemia. Rats were divided into five groups (n=5): normal control, hyperlipidemic control (5% cholesterol diet), standard (Rosuvastatin 20 mg/kg), and two test groups receiving EEDE at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg orally for 28 days. Biochemical parameters, including serum lipid profile, renal markers, and antioxidant enzyme levels, were analyzed. High-fat diet significantly (p<0.001) elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLC, VLDL-C, body weight, and renal markers, while reducing HDL-C and antioxidant enzymes compared to controls. Treatment with EEDE demonstrated dose-dependent improvement in lipid profile and antioxidant status, with significant reductions in TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and renal markers, along with increased HDL-C, SOD, catalase, and GSH levels. The extract showed no toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg (OECD 423). These findings suggest that Matteuccia struthiopteris possesses promising antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties, indicating its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia management.