Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Potential of Helicteres isora Fruit Extracts in High-Fat Diet-Induced Rats

Abstract

The present study was aimed at evaluating the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential of hydroalcoholic fruit extracts of Helicteres isora in dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The fruits were collected, shade dried, powdered, and extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent by cold percolation method. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, and saponins in the extract. Antihyperlipidemic activity was evaluated in male Wistar rats by analyzing serum lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, phospholipids, and free fatty acids. Treatment with Helicteres isora extract (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, phospholipids, and atherogenic index when compared to hyperlipidemic control rats. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays, where the extract demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity comparable to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene and ascorbic acid. The findings suggest that Helicteres isora fruit extract possesses significant antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities, which may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and other phytoconstituents. The study supports the traditional use of Helicteres isora as a potential natural therapeutic agent for the management of hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.