RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis (CP; C. pluricaulis) methanolic extract on Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidaemia in rats. METHODS: The study comprised of six groups namely normal control, experimental control and treatment groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of C. pluricaulis, and 65 mg/kg of Fenofibrate). Hyperlipidaemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339 400 mg/kg in rats. Parameters such as lipid profile, oxidative stress, histological analysis and atherogenic index were evaluated. The plant extract was further studied by HPLC and LCMS, for analyses of active phytochemicals. KEY FINDINGS: The result of the study showed that C. pluricaulis significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, MDA levels and atherogenic index while the levels of HDL-c and GSH were found to be raised. Plant extract at the dose of 400 mg had a consistent effect on all lipid profile parameters. Lower doses (100 and 200 mg) did not produce a statistically significant reduction in LDL-c. In addition, the protective effect of C. pluricaulis was confirmed by histological analysis. Further, the findings of the study were found to be comparable with fenofibrate. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the present study suggests that C. pluricaulis has the potential for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia.