Litchi chinensis is a plant with a wide variety of ethnic medicinal uses, hence it is planned to screen anti-hyperlipidemic action (based on traditional uses) by taking two models-Triton-X-100 and High Fat-Diet induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The ethanolic extract of pericarp of this plant was used to evaluate on above mentioned models. Anti-hyperlipidemic study was performed on two models: (a) Triton-X-100 (b) High Fat-Diet method taking Atorvastatin as a standard (10mg/kg, p.o.) (Novartis)

more »

... by using oral low dose (200mg/kg), high dose (400mg/kg) of extract. During the study of extract no mortality was observed in any animals up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg, indicating their practically non toxic in nature. The low and high doses of extract (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) were found significant in reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides against different models of hyperlipidemia induced in rats. Both the doses of extract provide protection against atherosclerosis. The result provides strong evidence to support that the ethanolic extract of pericarp of Litchi chinensis possess Antihyperlipidemic activity as well as it is entirely safe for longer duration of treatment. However, further molecular based studies will be necessary to clarify its mechanism of action and to characterize the active principles.