Evaluation of Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Althaea Officinalis Extract Against Dexamethasone-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats.

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major metabolic disorder and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Although conventional lipid-lowering drugs are effective, their long-term use may be associated with adverse effects, prompting the search for safer plant-based alternatives. The present study evaluated the antihyperlipidemic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Althaea officinalis in dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extract of Althaea officinalis was subjected to physicochemical evaluation, phytochemical screening, thin-layer chromatography, quantitative phytochemical analysis, and in vitro antioxidant assays. Acute oral toxicity was assessed according to OECD guideline 423. Hyperlipidemia was induced by dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, s.c.), and the extract was administered orally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Serum lipid profile, liver function markers, oxidative stress marker (MDA), and histopathological changes in liver tissue were evaluated. Results: The extract contained appreciable amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins and exhibited significant antioxidant activity in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radical scavenging, and reducing power assays. Acute toxicity studies confirmed its safety up to 2000 mg/kg. Treatment with the extract significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, SGPT, SGOT, and MDA levels while increasing HDL levels in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination demonstrated marked restoration of normal hepatic architecture, with the 400 mg/kg dose producing effects comparable to atorvastatin. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Althaea officinalis possesses significant antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of hyperlipidemia.