Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang®) reduces plasma and liver cholesterol and leucocyte oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic LDL receptor deficient mice

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are major causes of death worldwide. Beyond the classical cholesterol risk factor, other conditions such as oxidative stress are well documented to promote atherosclerosis. The Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang®) was reported to present antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic properties. Thus, here we evaluate the effects of Vimang treatment on risk factors of the atherosclerosis prone model of familial hypercholesterolemia, the LDL receptor knockout mice. Mice were treated with Vimang during 2 weeks and were fed a cholesterol-enriched diet during the second week. The Vimang treated mice presented significantly reduced levels of plasma (15%) and liver (20%) cholesterol, increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (10%) and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by spleen mononuclear cells (50%), P < 0.05 for all. In spite of these benefits, the average size of aortic atherosclerotic lesions stablished in this short experimental period did not change significantly in Vimang treated mice. Therefore, in this study we demonstrated that Vimang has protective effects on systemic and tissue-specific risk factors, but it is not sufficient to promote a reduction in the initial steps of atherosclerosis development. In addition, we disclosed a new antioxidant target of Vimang, the spleen mononuclear cells that might be relevant for more advanced stages of atherosclerosis.

Blood lipids lowering effect of medicinal plants

“…The Vimang treated mice showed significantly reduced levels of plasma (15%) and liver (20%) cholesterol, increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (10%) and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by spleen mononuclear cells (50%) (P< 0.05). However, Vimang has protective effects on systemic and tissue-specific risk factors, but it was not sufficient to promote a reduction in the initial steps of atherosclerosis development (209) . Mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg, ip) showed significant antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activities as evidenced by significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, together with elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and diminution of atherogenic index in diabetic rats (210) .…”

Selected Plant-Derived Polyphenols as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Peripheral Artery Disease: Molecular Mechanisms, Efficacy and Safety

“…An extract of Mangifera indica administered to LDL-receptor-deficient mice for 2 weeks produced a reduction in plasma and liver cholesterol levels, ROS production in spleen mononuclear cells and increased plasma total antioxidant capacity [ 146 ]. Mangiferin activity in PAD was also indirectly investigated using ethanolic extracts of mango seed (EEMI) in an acute hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion model [ 147 ].…”