Antihyperlipidemic effect of Pistacia khinjuk.

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disorder that is caused by high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in blood. Using of plants for the treatment of various ailments is a traditional practice in developing countries. The main objective of the study is to analyse the nutritional composition of Pistacia khinjuk and to assess its anti-hyperlipidemic activity.

METHODS

In the present study, the ethanolic extract of Pistacia khinjuk leaves was evaluated for antihyperlipidemic activity. 40 adult albino rats were divided into five groups. Hyperlipidemia was induced using high fat diet for 60days. Pistacia khinjuk extract of 150mg/kg body weight and 300mg/kg of body weight was administered to the rats for 28days. Proximate analysis of Pistacia khinjuk was also performed.

RESULTS

Proximate analysis of Pistacia khinjuk leaves showed 6.8% ash content, 12.8% crude fiber and only 6.85% fat content. Findings of present study revealed that both doses of Pistacia khinjuk extract improved the serum lipid profile in albino rats by reducing total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein, and increasing high density lipoprotein levels in Pistacia khinjuk treated groups. Body weight findings showed significant increase in body weight of all groups from zero day to 60th day. But before sacrifice, there was a decrease in hyperlipidemic and high dose Pistacia khinjuk while increase in control and low dose Pistacia khinjuk group respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

From the results of the present study, it is concluded that Pistacia khinjuk extract has curative effect against hyperlipidemia.