Anti-Hyperlipidemic and Anti-Atherogenic Effect of Citrus Peel Pectin Against Cholesterol and Cholic Acid Induced Hyperlipidemia in Sprague Dawley Rats

This study was designed to explore the anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects of citrus peel-derived pectin. A total of 70 Sprague Dawley rats were categorized into 7 groups with 10 rats in each group. Hyperlipidemia was induced in all groups by adding cholesterol (1.5%) and cholic acid (0.5%) to the normal diet for 15 days. G₀ was considered a normal control, G₁ was considered a negative control, G₂ was considered the positive control treated with the standard drug atorvastatin (10 mg/kg p.o.), G₃, G₄, G₅, and G₆ were given 3%, 7%, 11%, and 15% of citrus peel pectin, respectively, for 60 days. After the trial completion, biochemical markers like lipid profile, liver and renal function tests, and atherogenic index as well as histopathological analysis of heart, liver, and kidney were performed. The results showed a significant decline in TC, TG, and LDL, while significantly increased serum HDL levels consequently reduced the atherogenic index (p < 0.05). The TG levels were positively correlated with the atherogenic index, whereas HDL levels were negatively correlated with the atherogenic index. The outcome further suggested that the treatment with citrus peel pectin (15%) significantly enhanced the antioxidant levels and restored the liver and renal function as evidenced by the histopathological studies. Additionally, the findings revealed a significant reduction in the pathological changes of heart tissue treated with citrus peel pectin at different ratios. The highest reduction was seen in G₆ (treated with 15% citrus peel pectin). As a result of pectin's safety and considerable anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-atherogenic, and antioxidant effects, it could be evaluated as a therapeutic option for hyperlipidemia. Thus, citrus peel pectin can be used as an adjunct functional food in the diet to manage hyperlipidemia and improve atherogenesis.