Hypolipidemic effect of different extracts of Clerodendron colebrookianum Walp in normal and high-fat diet fed rats

Clerodendron colebrookianum Walp (family, Verbenaceae) has been used as a home remedy by the Mizo people of north eastern (NE) region of India in their folklore medicine as a cardioprotective (mainly against high blood pressure) agent. The scientific basis for their use has yet to be established. Therefore, in this investigation an attempt has been made to study the effect of different extracts of the leaves of Clerodendron colebrookianum Walp (CC) on serum lipid profile which is closely associated with many cardiovascular diseases. It was found that after administration of both crude and organic extracts the serum lipid profile, i.e. total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) lowered significantly (P < 0.001) from their respective control except TG in methanol extract (ME)-treated rats. The decreased percentage of TC, TG and LDL after administration of crude extract (CE) and ethylacetate extract (EE) with normal diet were found to be 35, 39 and 48%, and 33, 18 and 91%, respectively, after 7 days of treatment. In case of ME the lowering of TC and LDL were noted to be 41 and 85%, respectively. Both TC and TG were lowered significantly (P < 0.001) even after the administration of crude extract against high-fat diet. Significant increase of cardioprotective lipid, i.e high density lipoprotein (HDL) after administration of EE (46%) and ME (38%) was another interesting finding of this experiment. Total cholesterol:HDL and LDL:HDL ratios were significantly lower in the experimental group. Therefore, it was concluded that the leaves of CC have definite cardioprotective potentiality, and there is a valid scientific basis for consuming it for better health in NE region of India. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.