Anti-atherogenic properties of Plectranthus glandulosus Hook. F. (Lamiaceae) leaves through lipid profile regulation, oxidative stress reduction, and aorta media thickening attenuation in high-fat diet-fed Sprague-Dawley rats.

This study investigated the anti-atherogenic effects of Plectranthus glandulosus leaves aqueous, hydro-ethanolic extracts, and ethyl acetate fraction at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 21 d. As results, at the dose of 400 mg/kg, the ethyl acetate fraction significantly (p < .001) decreased the level of total cholesterol (112.52 ± 1.21 mg/dL), triglyceride (76.47 ± 0.97 mg/dL), and LDL-C (22.01 ± 2.92 mg/dL). Whereas, a significant (p < .001) increase was observed in the level of HDL-C (74.97 ± 1.99 mg/dL). Moreover, the atherogenic index significantly (p < .001) decreased (0.008 ± 0.00 mg/dL), while the percentage of atherogenic protection increased (99.13 ± 0.78%). The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased significantly (p < .001), while malondialdehyde concentration decreased. The thickening of aorta media (67.27 ± 7.15 µm) was also attenuated significantly (p < .001). Thus, our finding supports the use of Plectranthus glandulosus for future atherosclerosis drug discovery.