Effect of Artemisia aucheri Extract on Atherogenic Lipids and Atherogenesis in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits

Atherosclerosis that is caused a gradual deposition of lipids in muscular arteries remain a major cause of mortality worldwide. Dietary is one of the most important environmental factors associated with the incidence of these diseases. Diets high in cholesterol have been shown to promote atherosclerosis. Inversly diets high in vegetables have been shown to reduce development this disease. In many species of Artemisia evaluated antioxidative properties. The objective of this study was evaluating the effect of Artemisia aucheri extract on blood lipids and development of atherosclerosis in rabbits fed by a high cholesterol diet. Fifteen male rabbits were randomly divided in three experimental groups (normal diet group, hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) group and the group that fed by HCD + supplemented with 100 mg/kg body weight Artemisia aucheri extract every other day). Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol were measured before and after 1 and 2 months of experimental period. At the end of the experimental period the aorta was removed for assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Artemisia aucheri significantly reduced the levels of TC, LDL, TG and significantly increased the level of HDL. Degree of atherosclerotic plaque significantly reduced in this group. Results of this study indicate that Artemisia aucheri extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. This may be related to the effect of Artemisia aucheri on plasma lipoproteins in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.