Protective Effect of Nettle and Olive Leaves on Hyperlipidemia in Experimental Rats

Abstract

yslipidemia is a major contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recently, World Health Organization (WHO) reported that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) account for 46% of ever all mortality in Egypt. So that; the present study investigated, the protective effect of nettle and olive leaves on hyperlipidemia in experimental rats. Thirty six male albino rats weighing 130 ± 20 g used in this study and divided into equal six groups ( 6 rats each),the first kept as anegative control group (-ve) received basal diet throughout the experiment period, while the second was the (+ve) control group which fed on hyperlipidemic diet for four weeks, while the four others groups given hyperlipidemic diet supplemented with nettle leaves (5%) ,( 10 %) and olive leaves(5 %), (10%) respectively for four weeks (astreatment groups ) .The chemical composition and phenolic compounds of both leaves were done . At the end of the experiment, biological data were calculated; blood samples were taken to biochemical analysis. In addition, histopathological examination was done. The results revealed that hyperlipidemic diet in the (+ve) control group increased body weight gain ,relative organ weight, serum lipid profile, Malondialdhyde (MDA), liver enzymes and serum glucose, decreased in serum HDL-C, serum Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) . All treated groups with two leaves showed improvement previously parameters compared with positive control group. In conclusion, the consumption of nettle and olive leaves could be used for improving lipid profile, liver function and protect from hyperlipidemia in experimental rats.