HYPOLIPEMIC ACTIVITY IN RATS OF BERGENIN, THE MAJOR CONSTITUENT OF FLUEGGEA-MICROCARPA

Oral administration of bergenin, isolated from the leaves of Flueggea microcarpa, to hyperlipidaemic rats for 14 days significantly decreased serum total lipid without much change in serum cholesterol and triglycerides. However, after 21 days of administration, the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol levels were significantly reduced while the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level was elevated. Bergenin-treated animals also showed a significant decrease in atherogenic index.