Antiatherosclerotic and Cardioprotective Potential ofAcacia senegalSeeds in Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in Rabbits

Abstract

Acacia senegal L. (Fabaceae) seeds are essential ingredient of “Pachkutta,” a specific Rajasthani traditional food. The present study explored antiatherosclerotic and cardioprotective potential of Acacia senegal seed extract, if any, in hypercholesterolemic diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits. Atherosclerosis in rabbits was induced by feeding normal diet supplemented with oral administration of cholesterol (500 mg/kg body weight/day mixed with coconut oil) for 15 days. Circulating total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and VLDL-cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels; atherogenic index (AI); cardiac lipid peroxidation (LPO); planimetric studies of aortal wall; and histopathological studies of heart, aorta, kidney, and liver were performed. Apart from reduced atherosclerotic plaques in aorta (6.34 ± 0.72) and increased lumen volume (51.65 ± 3.66), administration with ethanolic extract of Acacia senegal seeds (500 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 45 days to atherosclerotic rabbits significantly lowered serum TC, LDL-C, triglyceride, and VLDL-C levels and atherogenic index as compared to control. Atherogenic diet-induced cardiac LPO and histopathological abnormalities in aorta wall, heart, kidney, and liver were reverted to normalcy by Acacia senegal seed extract administration. The findings of the present study reveal that Acacia senegal seed extract ameliorated diet-induced atherosclerosis and could be considered as lead in the development of novel therapeutics.

Phytoconstituents of an ethanolic pod extract of Prosopis cineraria triggers the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and the regression of atherosclerotic plaque in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

“…In the present study, treatment of hypercholesterolemic rabbits with an ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria pods resulted in a significant reduction in plaque formation, as well as improvements in their lipid profiles. These results were similar to the those obtained by Ram and co-workers who demonstrated the anti-atherosclerotic activity of Prosopis cineraria and Acacia senegal bark extracts [15,33]. It is plausible that these results are due to the presence of potent anti-atherosclerotic and hypocholesterolemic phytoconstituents that reduce lipids and necrotic material, support endothelial repair, or halt the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells [34][35][36].…”

“…Food was supplemented with green leafy, seasonal vegetables and water. Hypercholesterolemia was induced by oral administration of 500 g of cholesterol powder mixed with 5 ml of coconut oil for 15 days along with a high fat diet [15]. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 5) and the experimentation period was 60 days.…”

“…and processed for histopathological examination. Planimetric studies of the aorta wall, lumen volume and atherosclerotic plaque were conducted using a Camera Lucida [15].…”

Novel Phytoconstituents of an Aqueous Pod Extract of Prosopis Cineraria (L.) Druce Attenuate Atherosclerotic Plaque and Hypercholesterolemia in Rabbits

“…Hypercholesterolemia was induced by oral administration of 500 g of cholesterol powder mixed with 5 ml of coconut oil for 15 days, along with a high fat diet(21 % fat) [25].…”

“…Tissue sections were mounted on glass slides, stained, and then covered with a cover slip for evaluation under a microscope. Planimetric studies of the aorta wall, lumen volume, and atherosclerotic plaque were conducted using a Camera Lucida [25].…”