Beneficial effect of Ficus religiosa Linn. on high-fat-diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

Ficus religiosa Linn. (Moraceae) was evaluated as a hypolipidaemic and antioxidant agent. Ethanol and hexane leaves extracts were examined for inhibition of β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and DPPH free radical elevation. The ethanol extract was evaluated for its effect against hypercholesterolaemia in rats, compared with the standard hypolipidaemic lipanthyl. Cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), phospho and total lipids were estimated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Administration of rats with 30 mg cholesterol five times per week for nine consecutive weeks caused a significant increase in lipid profile, MDA and SOD, while HDL-C and GSH showed significant decreases. Treatment with plant extract (500 mg/kg body weight) or lipanthyl drug (50 mg finofibrate/kg body weight) for the same duration recorded improvement in lipid profile, antioxidant levels, liver function enzymes and hepatic architecture. In conclusion, ethanol extract of F. religiosa exerted hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effects.