Hypolipedaemic activity of picroliv in albino rats

The hypolipidaemic action of picroliv, a standarized preparaton from Picrorhiza kurrooa, has been studied in normal as well as in triton- and cholesterol-fed rats. Serum lipids were found to be lowered by picroliv (25 mg/kg b.w.) in triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipaemia. Chronic feeding of this drug (6 mg/kg b.w.) in normal rats and in animals simultaneously treated with cholesterol (25 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days caused lowering in the lipid and protein levels constituting β-lipoproteins followed by an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol in experimental animals. Picroliv alters lipolytic activities in plasma, liver, heart an adipose tissues and stimulated receptor mediated catabolism of low density lipoprotein. The lipid lowering action of the natural product is mediated through inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in liver, increased faecal bile acid excretion and enhanced plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity.     

Lipid Lowering Activity of Guggulsterone from Commiphora mukul in Hyperlipaemic Rats

The lipid lowering action of guggulsterone, the active constituent of guggulipid, has been studied in triton and cholesterol fed hyperlipaemic rats. Serum lipids were found to be lowered by guggulsterone (50 mg/kg, b.w.) in triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipaemia. Chronic feeding of this drug (5 mg/kg, b.w.) in animals simultaneously fed with cholesterol (25 mg/kg, b.w.) for 30 days, caused lowering in the lipid and apoprotein levels of very low density and low density lipoproteins in experimental animals. Guggulsterone activates lipolytic enzymes in plasma and liver as well as stimulated receptor mediated catabolism of low density lipoprotein. The hypolipidaemic activity of this drug is mediated through inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, increased faecal bile acid excretion and enhanced plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity.     

Lipid lowering activity of Phyllanthus niruri in hyperlipemic rats

The lipid lowering activity (LLA) of Phyllanthus niruri has been studied in triton and cholesterol fed hyperlipemic rats. Serum lipids were lowered by P. niruri extract orally fed (250 mg/kg b.w.) to the triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipemic rats. Chronic feeding of this drugs (100 mg/kg b.w.) in animals simultaneously fed with cholesterol (25 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days caused lowering in the lipids and apoprotein levels of VLDL and LDL in experimental animals. The LLA of this drug is mediated through inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, increased faecal bile acids excretion and enhanced plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity.     

Hypolipidaemic activity of methanol extract of Aleurites moluccana

The lipid-lowering action of the leaves of the Aleurites moluccana methanol extract was studied in Triton W-1339 and high-fat-diet fed rats. The serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) and body weight were found to be lowered by A. moluccana (300 mg/kg, b.w.) in rats with Triton-induced hypercholesterolaemia and on a hyperlipaemic diet. The results suggest that the lipid lowering action of this natural product is mediated through inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and reduction of lipid absorption in the intestine.     

Hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of oral Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. Leaf extract in albino rats fed on a high fat diet

Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. leaf extract (25–100 mg/kg) when orally administered to experimentally induced hyperlipidaemic rats for 2 weeks, reduced the elevated serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner. The decreased serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and antiatherogenic index (AAI) in hyperlipidaemia were also reversed towards normalization. The ability of this extract (at 100 mg/kg) to lower TG and TC in serum and its antiatherosclerotic potential were almost similar to that of a standard lipid lowering agent—clofibrate.     

Hypolipidemic activity of Anethum graveolens in rats

The aerial parts of Anethum graveolens (dillweed) are used in Iran as a hypolipidemic agent. The scientific basis for its use has yet to be established. In this study the hypolipidemic activity of dill powder and its essential oil (its most important fraction) were evaluated in male Wistar rats (180 +/- 20 g) fed a high cholesterol diet. Anethum graveolens essential oil (AGEO) was prepared by hydrodistillation and analysed using GC/MS. AGEO had a yield of 2% and GC/MS analysis showed that alpha-phellandrene (32%), limonene (28%) and carvone (28%) were its major components. Daily oral administration of AGEO to rats at doses of 45, 90 and 180 mg/kg for 2 weeks significantly and in a dose-dependent manner reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). AGEO also increased significantly high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Anethum graveolens powder when added to the diet of animals showed similar effects on serum lipids. It is concluded that Anethum graveolens has significant lipid lowering effects and is a promising cardioprotective agent.     

调脂汤对动脉粥样硬化大鼠血脂及血浆内皮素的影响

目的：研究调脂汤对动脉粥样硬化大鼠血脂及血浆内皮素的影响。方法：40只Wistar大鼠分为4组,正常对照组、模型组、辛伐他汀组、调脂汤组,观察灌胃前及灌胃1个月后各组血管斑块/内膜面积比和内膜/中膜厚度比,及血清总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）的指标变化;检测各组大鼠血浆内皮素（ET）的含量。结果：灌胃1个月后,辛伐他汀组和调脂汤组大鼠血清TC、LDL-C值较模型组显著降低（P〈0.05）,大鼠血浆中ET的含量显著降低;与灌胃前比较TC、LDL-C值也显著降低（P〈0.05）,血浆中ET的含量显著降低;调脂汤组TC、LDL-C值较辛伐他汀组略高,血浆中ET的含量与辛伐他汀组无明显差异。结论：调脂汤能降低动脉粥样硬化大鼠的血脂及血浆ET的含量。     

Ficus carica Leaf Extract Modulates the Lipid Profile of Rats Fed with a High‐Fat Diet through an Increase of HDL‐C

Ficus carica has been traditionally used for the treatment of several metabolic syndrome‐related health problems. It was the objective of this study to investigate the preventive effects of a Ficus carica (FC) leaf extract on hyperlipidemia in high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese male rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (180 – 200 g) were fed with a regular diet, HFD or a HFD + oral treatment of either 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of FC or 30 mg/kg pioglitazone for six weeks. A range of parameters was evaluated including body weight development, plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), adiponectin, leptin, glucose, insulin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), atherogenic index (AI) and the coronary risk index (CRI). FC significantly lowered TG and IL‐6 levels and elevated HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). The effects of FC on lipid parameters were more pronounced than those of the positive control pioglitazone. FC significantly lowered AI and CRI (p < 0.01) while it had no effect on adiponectin and leptin levels. Our results demonstrate that preventive treatment with FC significantly improved the lipid profile and decreased adipogenic risk factors in HFD rats most likely mediated through an increase in HDL‐C levels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improvement of insulin resistance by miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) in fructose-rich chow-fed rats

In an attempt to probe a new target to improve insulin resistance, miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) was employed to investigate the effect on insulin resistance induced by fructose-rich chow in rats. Single oral administration of the powder of this miracle fruit decreased the plasma glucose in a dose-dependent manner for 150 min in rats fed fructose-rich chow for 4 weeks. Insulin action on the glucose disposal rate was measured using the glucose-insulin index, the value of the areas under the curve of glucose and insulin during the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. Oral administration of miracle fruit (0.2 mg/kg) to fructose-rich chow fed rats, three times daily for 3 days, reversed the raised value of the glucose-insulin index, indicating that miracle fruit has the ability to improve insulin sensitivity. The plasma glucose lowering action of tolbutamide, induced by secretion of endogenous insulin, is widely used to characterize the formation of insulin resistance. The time for the loss of the plasma glucose lowering response to tolbutamide (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) in fructose-rich chow fed rats was markedly delayed after treatment with miracle fruit compared with the vehicle-treated group. Thus providing supportive data that oral administration of miracle fruit could delay the development of insulin resistance in rats. Also, the in vivo insulin sensitivity was markedly raised by miracle fruit. In conclusion, the results suggest that miracle fruit may be used as an adjuvant for treating diabetic patients with insulin resistance because this fruit has the ability to improve insulin sensitivity.     

Chlorogenic Acid Exhibits Cholesterol Lowering and Fatty Liver Attenuating Properties by Up‐regulating the Gene Expression of PPAR‐α in Hypercholesterolemic Rats Induced with a High‐Cholesterol Diet

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Natural compounds have been proved to be useful in lowering serum cholesterol to slow down the progression of cardiovascular disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the present study, the hypocholesterolemic and hepatoprotective effects of the dietary consumption of chlorogenic acid were investigated by monitoring plasma lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein) in Sprague–Dawley rats fed with a normal diet, a high‐cholesterol diet or a high‐cholesterol diet supplemented with chlorogenic acid (1 or 10 mg/kg/day p.o.) for 28 days. Chlorogenic acid markedly altered the increased plasma total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein but decreased high‐density lipoprotein induced by a hypercholesterolemic diet with a dose‐dependent improvement on both atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor. Lipid depositions in liver were attenuated significantly in hypercholesterolemic animals supplemented with chlorogenic acid. It is postulated that hypocholesterolemic effect is the primary beneficial effect given by chlorogenic acid, which leads to other secondary beneficial effects such as atheroscleroprotective, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective functions. The hypocholesterolemic functions of chlorogenic acid are probably due to the increase in fatty acids unitization in liver via the up‐regulation of peroxisome proliferation‐activated receptor α mRNA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypolipidaemic Activity of a Polysaccharide Extract from Fucus vesiculosus L.

The effects of a polysaccharide extract from the seaweed Fucus vesiculosus on serum lipid levels were evaluated in normal and hyperlipaemic rats. In screening tests of immediate (4 h) effects in normal rats, the highest dose assayed (10 mg/kg) significantly lowered total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) levels, and significantly increased the antiatherogenic index (AAI, i.e. 100×HDL-C/[totalC-HDL-C]). In screening tests of short-term (24 h) effects in Triton-induced-hyperlipaemic (TIH) rats, the extract caused marked dose-dependent reductions in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Tests in TIH rats suggested that the observed hypolipaemic activity was due to inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. Subsequent tests of longer-term (12 day) effects in diet-induced-hyperlipaemic rats provided support for this hypothesis: the extract at 10 mg/kg did not have significant effects on total cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol, but caused moderate increases in high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) level and AAI.     

Lipid lowering effect of S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide from Allium cepa Linn in high cholesterol diet fed rats

The lipid lowering action of S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCS) isolated from Allium cepa Linn (family: Liliaceae) was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats fed on 1% cholesterol diet, in comparison to the hypolipidemic drug gugulipid. Administration of SMCS at a dose of 200mg/kg body weight for 45 days ameliorated the hyperlipidemic condition. The lipid profile in serum and tissues showed that concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipids were significantly reduced when compared to their untreated counterparts. The total lipoprotein lipase activity in the adipose tissue was decreased with also a decrease in the free fatty acid levels in serum and tissues. The activities of the lipogenic enzymes glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme as also of HMG CoA reductase in the tissues remained low on treatment indicating that both the drugs did not favor lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis in the hyperlipidemic animals. The fecal excretion of bile acids and sterols was further increased upon treatment with the drugs. The results are directive to that both gugulipid and SMCS cause reduction of endogenous lipogenesis, increase catabolism of lipids and subsequent excretion of metabolic by-products through the intestinal tract. However, gugulipid is a better drug than SMCS at a low dose of 50mg/kg body weight.     

Shilajit-induced potentiation of the hypoglycaemic action of insulin and inhibition of streptozotocin induced diabetes in rat

The effects of subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of processed shilajit (PS) alone and in combination with insulin (s.c.) on plasma glucose levels (PGL) were determined in either sex of streptozotocin-induced diabetic (SID) rats. PS (50 μ/kg; s.c.) did not alter plasma glucose levels in SID rats. Insulin (0.25-1.0 U/kg; s.c.), dose-dependently produced hypoglycaemia in SID rats. PS (50 μg/kg; s.c.) potentiated and prolonged the hypoglycaemic action of insulin when administered concurrently. Chronic administration of PS (0.1–10 mg/kg; b.i.d. for 10 days; i.p.) had no influence per se on plasma glucose levels. Chronic administration of PS (1.0 mg/kg; b.i.d. for 10 days; i.p.) prevented the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats, whereas a relatively lower (0.1 mg/kg; b.i.d. for 10 days; i.p.) and significantly higher dose (10 mg/kg; b.i.d. for 10 days; i.p.) of PS had no influence on the STZ-induced diabetes. The results suggest that administration of PS along with insulin would potentiate the insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, and chronic administration of a carefully determined dose of PS would inhibit the development of STZ-induced diabetes.     

Effect of mangiferin on hyperglycemia and atherogenicity in streptozotocin diabetic rats

In the present study, the effect of mangiferin (a xanthone glucoside, isolated from the leaves of Mangifera indica) on the atherogenic potential of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetes was investigated. In addition, the effect of mangiferin on oral glucose tolerance in glucose-loaded normal rats was also determined. The chronic intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg) once daily (o.d.) for 28 days exhibited antidiabetic activity by significantly lowering fasting plasma glucose level at different time intervals in STZ-diabetic rats. Further, mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activities as evidenced by significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels coupled together with elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and diminution of atherogenic index in diabetic rats. In addition, the chronic administration of mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days significantly as well as markedly improved oral glucose tolerance in glucose-loaded normal rats suggesting its potent antihyperglycemic activity. The accumulating evidences suggest that both pancreatic and extrapancreatic mechanisms might be involved in its antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic action. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that mangiferin possesses significant antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic properties thus suggesting its beneficial effect in the treatment of diabetes mellitus associated with hyperlipidemia and related cardiovascular complications.     

Shengmai San reduces hepatic lipids and lipid peroxidation in rats fed on a high-cholesterol diet

Shengmai San (SMS), which is comprised of the medicinal herbs of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Schisandra chinensis Baill., and Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl (2:1:2)., is a traditional Chinese medicine being used for treating coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SMS on the plasma and liver lipids, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems in liver and heart of cholesterol-fed rats. Rats were fed on a high-cholesterol (0.5%) diet (control group), high-cholesterol diet containing 2% SMS (2% SMS group) and 4% SMS (4% SMS group) for four weeks. The oxidative stress marker (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and antioxidant defense systems including glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in rat liver and heart were evaluated. Results showed that rats fed with SMS-containing diet had reduced the H(2)O(2)-induced erythrocytes susceptibility to hemolysis, and 4% SMS feeding rats had higher plasma GSH concentration compared to the animals fed with the control diet. However, SMS had no effect on plasma lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and TBARS concentration. On the other hand, rats fed with the 4% SMS diet reduced the hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride contents. Fecal bile acid excretion was significantly increased in rats fed with the SMS-containing diet. Higher hepatic GSH and lower TBARS concentrations were observed in rats fed with the 4% SMS diet compared with the rats fed with the control diet. No significant difference in activities of GSH-Px, GST and SOD was found in liver and heart after the SMS treatment. Results from this study indicate that the SMS may reduce hepatic lipids and lipid peroxidation in rats.     

Olive Leaf Extract Improves the Atherogenic Lipid Profile in Rats Fed a High Cholesterol Diet

Coronary heart disease because of atherosclerosis is still the most common cause of mortality. Elevated levels of low‐density lipoprotein and total cholesterol are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the olive leaf extract on serum lipid profile, early changes of atherosclerosis and endothelium‐dependent relaxations in cholesterol‐fed rats. For this purpose, rats were fed by 2% cholesterol‐enriched or standard chow for 8 weeks. Some rats in each group were also fed orally by olive leaf extract at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day. Atorvastatin at dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight daily was also given as positive control. After 8 weeks, lipid profiles of rat serums were analyzed. Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and degree of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels) were also measured in the hearts isolated from rats. In addition, expression of adhesion molecules and endothelium‐dependent relaxations of isolated thoracic aortas of rats were evaluated. Total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol levels were found to be increased in cholesterol‐fed rats, and both doses of olive leaf extract and atorvastatin significantly decreased those levels. In conclusion, because the olive leaf extract attenuates the increased cholesterol levels, it may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in acute hyperlipidaemia induced by triton WR-1339 in rats and its antioxidant property

Hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerosis and related diseases are becoming a major health problem in developing countries. Ocimum basilicum is one of the medicinal plants widely used in Morocco to reduce plasma cholesterol and to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis-related diseases. However, mechanisms underlying the reported hypolipidaemic effect of this plant have not been investigated. This study evaluates the lipid lowering effect of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. Hyperlipidaemia was developed in animals by intraperitoneal injection of Triton (200 mg/kg). After injection of Triton the animals were divided into three treatment groups: hyperlipidaemic, hyperlipidaemic plus herb extract and hyperlipidaemic plus fenofibrate treated rats. At 7 h after the Triton injection, levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol in rats treated also with the Ocimum basilicum extract (0.5 g/100 g body weight) were, respectively, 50%, 83% and 79% lower than Triton-treated rats and HDL-cholesterol was 129% higher than in rats given Triton alone. At 24 h following Ocimum basilicum administration, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased by 56%, 63% and 68%, respectively, in comparison with the Triton treated group and HDL-cholesterol was not increased significantly. The hypolipidaemic effect exerted by Ocimum basilicum extract was markedly stronger than the effect induced by fenofibrate treatments. Further it was demonstrated that Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract displayed a very high antioxidant power. These results indicate that Ocimum basilicum extract may contain hypolipidaemic and antioxidant substances and its use as a therapeutic tool in hyperlipidaemic subjects may be of benefit and encourage further investigation in this field.     

Oleanolic acid prevents glucocorticoid-induced hypertension in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of oleanolic acid isolated from Viscum articulatum, Burm. (Loranthaceae) in glucocorticoid (dexamethasone)‐induced hypertension in rats and to propose a probable mechanism of action for this effect. Male Wistar rats (300–350 g) received dexamethasone (20 μg/kg/day s.c.) or saline (vehicle) for 10 days. In a prevention study, the rats received oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) for 5 days, followed by dexamethasone or saline for 10 days. During this period the systolic blood pressure and body weight were evaluated on alternate days. At the end of the experiment, the weight of the thymus gland, plasma nitrate/nitrite (nitric oxide metabolites) concentration and cardiac lipid peroxidation value were determined. Oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) significantly prevented a rise in the systolic blood pressure and cardiac lipid peroxidation level after administration of dexamethasone (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) without showing any significant effect on the dexamethasone‐induced change in body and thymus weights. The decrease in concentration of plasma nitrate/nitrite due to dexamethasone was prevented significantly in the group treated with oleanolic acid (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) prevents dexamethasone‐induced hypertension in rats, which may be attributed to its antioxidant and nitric oxide releasing action. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antiamnesic potential of Murraya koenigii leaves

Murraya koenigii leaves commonly known as curry patta are added routinely to Indian gravy and vegetarian dishes as a favorite condiment. The effects of Murraya koenigii leaves (MKL) on cognitive functions, total serum cholesterol level and brain cholinesterase activity in young and aged mice fed orally with a diet containing 2%, 4% and 8% w/w of MKL for 30 days consecutively, were investigated. The memory scores were measured using various exteroceptive and interoceptive behavioral models. The MKL diets produced a significant dose-dependent improvement in the memory scores of young and aged mice and significantly reduced the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Also, brain cholinesterase activity and total cholesterol levels were reduced by the MKL diets. The underlying mechanism of action for the observed nootropic effect may be attributed to pro-cholinergic activity and a cholesterol lowering property. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to investigate specifically the therapeutic potential of MKL in the management of Alzheimer patients.     

Artichoke leaf extract reduces oxidative stress and lipoprotein dyshomeostasis in rats fed on high cholesterol diet

Hypercholesterolemia and lipid peroxidation play complementary role in atherosclerosis. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) is rich in natural antioxidants and has a cholesterol‐reducing effect. However, there is no study investigating the effect of ALE on lipid levels and lipid peroxidation in experimental hypercholesterolemic conditions. Rats were fed on 4% (w/w) cholesterol and 1% (w/w) cholic acid supplemented diet for 1 month. ALE (1.5 g/kg/day) was given by gavage during the last 2 weeks. Serum lipid composition, malondialdehyde (MDA) and diene conjugate (DC) levels and plasma antioxidant activity (AOA) were measured. In addition, endogenous DC and copper‐induced MDA levels were determined in apo B‐containing lipoproteins (LDL+VLDL fraction). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL‐cholesterol decreased due to ALE treatment in rats fed on HC diet. Significant decreases in serum MDA and DC levels and increases in plasma AOA were detected in serum in ALE‐treated hypercholesterolemic rats. Endogenous DC and copper‐induced MDA levels were also lower in LDL+VLDL fraction due to ALE‐treatment in hypercholesterolemic rats. Our results indicate that ALE may be useful for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia‐induced pro‐oxidant state in LDL+VLDL fraction and the reduction of increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.