Reduction and regression atherosclerosis lesions by hydroalcoholic extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. in Hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Regression and suppression of atherosclerotic lesion may be a realistic goal in some patients. Antioxidants and hypolipidemic agents suppress the development of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis and induce regression of atherosclerosis. In this study, the serum lipid and atherosclerotic lesions following the intake of Hypericum perforatum L. on regression in hypercholesterolemic rabbits were investigated. Rabbits were assigned to four groups as follows: Group I control diet (75 days); Group II 1% cholesterol diet (75 days); Group III 1% cholesterol diet (45 days) followed by regular diet(30 days); Group IV 1% cholesterol diet (45 days) followed by regular diet and HPL (30 days). Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 45 days and 75 days for measurement of serum lipids. At the end of the protocol, the aorta was removed for assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Our results showed that plasma total cholesterol, TG, LDL-C concentrations and AI, decreased, and the plasma HDL cholesterol concentration increased in Groups III– ΙV. The decrease of serum Lipids and atherosclerotic lesions in Group IV was more compared to that of Group III in regression period. The reduction in atherosclerotic lesions was associated with a reduction in oxidative stress. These results suggest that regular diet following a high cholesterol diet accelerates atherosclerosis in spite of a decrease in serum lipids; According to the results, HPL treatment prevents the progression of atherosclerosis following a high cholesterol diet probably associated with a reduction of risk factors and antioxidant mechanism.