Potential benefits of <i>Pterocarpus marsupium</i> heartwood extract on high fat diet induced rodent model of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory arterial disease, involves lipid deposition and immune cell infiltration, leading to vascular thickening and dysfunction. This study evaluated the protective effects of <i>Pterocarpus marsupium</i> (PM) heartwood extract, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis model in male Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n = 6), receiving either a normal or HFD, with or without atorvastatin or PM extract. After 8 weeks, hemodynamic, biochemical, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters were assessed, along with aortic histology. HFD-fed rats showed elevated heart rate, lipids, liver enzymes, and MDA levels, with histological signs of atherosclerosis. PM treatment significantly reduced triglyceride and MDA levels and modestly improved HDL levels. No significant changes were observed in TNF-α or IL-6. Histology revealed reduced lipid infiltration in PM-treated rats. PM extract exhibited anti-atherogenic and antioxidant effects, warranting further studies to explore its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease.