Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine Exerted Anti-Hyperlipidemic, Anti-Hyperglycemic, and Hepatoprotective Effects in High-Fat and Sucrose Diet-Fed Rats.

Background: Cardiovascular disease continues to be a major global health challenge, characterized by high rates of mortality and morbidity. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds, offer potential avenues for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of Thymus atlanticus (T. atlanticus) aqueous extract in preventing hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat and sugar diet (HFSD) in a rat model.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=5). The first group (normal control group) received a normal basal diet. The second group (HFSD group) received a HFSD containing a normal diet (68.5%), lard (15%), cholesterol (1.5%), and sucrose (15%). The third group (HFSD treated with thyme extract) received the HFSD and was administered orally with T. atlanticus extract (500 mg/kg bw). After 8 weeks, blood and liver samples were taken for biochemical analysis.

Results: The results showed that HFSD intake elevated plasmatic lipids, blood fasting glucose, hepatic biochemical parameters, and inflammation. Moreover, HFSD resulted in increased liver weight, hepatic lipids, and oxidative stress. However, the treatment with T. atlanticus extract attenuated the altered parameters by lowering or restoring the levels of plasmatic lipids (TGs: -12.21 %; LDL-C: - 21.49 %), glycated hemoglobin (-23.33 %), hepatic parameters (AST: --25.04 %; ALT: -10.42%; ALP: -42.81%), and inflammation. Additionally, thyme extract reduced the levels of hepatic lipids (TGs: -21.13 %; TC: -12.77 %) and ameliorated hepatic oxidative status by reducing malondialdehyde levels (-10.87 %) and enhancing the antioxidant effect (+25.71 %) of hepatic extract.

Conclusion: We conclude that the traditionally used aqueous extract of T. atlanticus protected against the detrimental effects of HFSD intake, and its supplementation would be an effective strategy to protect the liver and cardiovascular system. While promising, these benefits need to be validated through clinical trials.