Comparative Effects of Parsley Aqueous Extract and Atorvastatin on Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Cardiorenal Dysfunction in Rats

Background: The vast majority of the world's therapeutic substances are found in plants, which protect both humans and animals from a wide variety of infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of parsley aqueous extract (PAE) and atorvastatin (Ator) on a high-cholesterol and fat diet (HCFD). Methods: Thirty fully grown male rats were separated into five distinct groups: The first one functioned as a control. The next was administered PAE. (2g/kg b.wt./day) via oral administration. The third group was administered HCFD. The fourth group had HCFD and was administered PAE (2 g/kg b.wt./day) orally, while the last group was also fed an HCFD and given Ator (20 mg/kg b.wt./day) orally. Following a three-week duration of the experiment, assessments of cardiac biomarker, kidney functions, lipid profile, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as histopathological investigations were conducted. Results: The administration of HCFD significantly increased (P<0.05) mean body weight, cardiac biomarker, renal biomarkers, certain lipid profile tests, and pro-inflammatory markers. Conversely, it significantly decreased (P<0.05) HDL-C, and anti-inflammatory markers in the treated HCFD groups regarding to the control group. The combined treatment with PAE and Ator reduced the negative effects caused by HCFD. The treated groups demonstrated a notable enhancement in histoarchitecture relative to the untreated group. Conclusions: This indicates that PAE was largely comparable to Ator as a treatment for hypercholesterolemia, with potential dysfunctions in vital organs such as the heart, and kidney, attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.