Abstract

ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF LAWSONIA INERMIS L. ROOT IN TRITON WR-1339 INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIC RAT

Priyona Roy*, Thahimon P.A, Dr. Sr. Betty Carla, Meera R. Nath, Priyamol M.V

ABSTRACT

Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae), popularly known as henna, is a small tree or shrub. Its root has been used traditionally in Ayurveda for the treatment of hyperlipidemia .To our best knowledge no scientific study has been conducted for this effect. Therefore the present study was aimed to screen the antihyperlipidemic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Lawsoniainermis L. root in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemic rat.Overnight fasted Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group ( 2% tween 80,p.o),positive control group ( Triton WR-1339,200 mg/kg, i. p), standard drug treated group ( fenofibrate 65mg/kg, p. o) and Lawsonia inermis extract treated group (200 & 400 mg/ kg ,p. o). After 24hr. of treatment serum lipid profile was estimated. The extract significantly decreased serum TC, TG, VLDL, & LDL and increased serum HDL level.These results suggest that hydroalcoholic root extract of L. inermis has antihyperlipidemic activity and this validates its use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, steroids, terpenoids, flavanoids, saponins and coumarins which are responsible for the effects. Further studies are needed to establish a clear mode of action.

Keywords: Lawsonia inermis L. root, hyperlipidemia, Triton WR-1339