Hepatoprotective and Hypolipidemic Effects of Hibiscus Gossypifolius, Trachyspermum Copticum, Taraxacum Officinale, and Rosmarinus Officinalis Extracts in a Rat Model of Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia



Zarei A ; Hosseini N ; Ramezani M ; Alimoradian A ; Changiziashtiyani S
Source: Journal of Medicinal Plants Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a key risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, prompting the search for natural alternatives with fewer side effects than conventional drugs such as orlistat. Objective: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic efficacy of hydroalcoholic extracts from H. gossypifolius, Trachyspermum copticum, Taraxacum officinale, and Rosmarinus officinalis in a rat model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups (n= 8). Groups received either a standard diet, a high-cholesterol diet (HCD; 2% cholesterol) with saline, or the HCD supplemented via daily gavage with orlistat (10 mg/kg) or one of the plant extracts (500, 800, 200, 300 mg/kg, respectively) for 48 days. Biochemical parameters, including lipid profile, liver enzymes, and renal markers, were analyzed. Results: The extracts demonstrated distinct therapeutic specializations. T. officinale was the most effective in reducing body weight gain. T.copticum and R. officinalis showed superior hepatoprotective effects, significantly lowering AST, and ALT/ALP levels, respectively. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, none of the plant extracts reduced LDL or total cholesterol more effectively than the HCD-control; orlistat was the most effective hypolipidemic agent. R. officinalis showed a non-significant trend towards reducing creatinine levels. Conclusion: This study shows the investigated plant extracts have specific, complementary effects. T. officinale potently reduces weight gain, whereas T. copticum and R. officinalis provide significant hepatoprotection. However, these extracts did not show superior hypolipidemic efficacy compared to the control, a finding that requires further study. The potential of these plants for weight management and liver protection merits future research with standardized extracts. © 2023.