Effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Amaranthus caudatus L. on reduction of some of risk factors of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Hypercholesterolemia, cholesterol-enriched diet and oxidative stress may cause an increase in serum total cholesterol (TC) levels resulting in development of atherosclerosis. Antioxidants play an important role in inhibiting and scavenging free radicals. Amaranthus caudatus L. is a lipid-lowering and antioxidant agent. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of Amaranthus caudatus L. in reduction of some risk factor for atherosclerosis associated with reduction of oxidative stress. rabbits were assigned to four groups: Group I, regular diet (control); Group II, 1% cholesterol diet for 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 Amaranthus caudatus (30 days) (150 mg•kg body wt). Blood samples were collected from rabbits before (0 time) and after 45 days and 75 days of experimental diets for measurement of apolipoproteinB (apoB), malondialdehyde (MDA), apolipoproteinA (apoA) and OX-LDL. The results showed that application of Amaranthus caudatus for 30 days caused a significant decrease in apolipoproteinB (apoB), malondialdehyde (MDA) and OX-LDL. However apolipoproteinA (apoA) increased significantly. Whereas, no significant decrease of risk factors was observed in animals received only normal diet. Consequently, these effects of Amaranthus are associated with reductions in oxidative stress probably due to the antiatherogenic effects and it could be considered as an important diet in regression of atherosclerosis.