Phytochemical Analysis and Anti‐dyslipidemia and Antioxidant Activities of Pluchea dioscoridis: In Vitro, In Silico and In Vivo Studies

Abstract

Pluchea dioscoridis is a flowering wild plant used traditionally in the treatment of rhematic disorders. This study investigated the phytochemical and in vitro radical scavenging activity (RSA), and in vivo anti‐hyperlipidemic, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of P. dioscoridis. The antihyperlipidemic efficacy was determined in a rat model of dyslipidemia. The extract and fractions of P. dioscoridis showed RSA with the EA fraction, exhibiting the most potent activity. The Phytochemical analysis of P. dioscoridis EA fraction (PDEAF) led to the isolation of five compounds (lupeol, quercetin, lupeol acetate, stigmasterol, and syringic acid). To evaluate its anti‐hyperlipidemic effect, dyslipidemia three doses of PDEAF were supplemented to rats for 14 days and poloxamer‐407 was administered on day 15 to induce dyslipidemia. All doses of PDEAF decreased plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and vLDL, and increased plasma LPL. PDEAF upregulated hepatic LDL receptor and suppressed HMG‐CoA reductase, decreased lipid peroxidation and TNF‐α and enhanced GSH and enzymatic antioxidants in dyslipidmeic rats. In silico findings revealed the binding affinity of the isolated compounds towards LPL, HMG‐CoA reductase, and LDL receptor. In conclusion, P. dioscoridis is rich in phytoconstituents, exhibited RSA and its EA fraction effectively prevented acute dyslipidemia and its associated oxidative stress and inflammatory response.