The Flowers of Celosia argentea var. cristata Exert Stronger Anti-Hypertriglyceridemic and Anti-Lipid Peroxidation Activities than Its Leaves in Gluco

Background and objectives: Recent investigations have established the beneficial cardiovascular potentials within the plants of Amaranthaceae family. The present study was designed to explore and compare the effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the leaves and flowers of Celosia argentea var. cristata in a rat model of hyperlipidemia caused by glucocorticoid. Methods: Extractions were prepared via the maceration technique, and the total phenolic content as mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and flavonoid content as quercetin equivalent (QE)/g were determined. Hyperlipidemia was induced by dexamethasone (10 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 7 days. In the treatment groups, rats were injected with dexamethasone and simultaneously received oral gavage of 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg leaf or flower extract for 7 days. Biochemical assessments of lipid profile, liver function and lipid peroxidation were performed. Rats' livers were inspected histologically. Results: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 127.94±8.91 mg GAE/g and 0.228±0.03 mg QE/g in leaf extract, and 146.15±2.73 mg GAE/g and 0.099±0.01 mg QE/g in flower extract. Both the flower and leaf extracts significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, LDL, malondialdehyde (MDA), atherogenic indices, and improved liver fatty degeneration. Only leaf extract at 100 mg/kg reduced AST activity. However, the flower extract was significantly more effective than leaf extract in reducing serum triglycerides and MDA. Conclusions: This study suggests hypocholesterolemic and atherogenic indices-improving activities for flower and leaf extracts, and anti-hypertriglyceridemic and potent anti-lipid peroxidation effects for flower extract of Celosia argentea var. cristata in dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemic rats.