Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of methanol extracts of three plants of Amaranthus in triton-WR 1339 induced hyperlipidemic rats

Cardio vascular diseases are leading cause of death in both industrialized and developing nations. Disorders of lipid metabolism, following oxidative stress are the prime risk factors for initiation and progression of these diseases[1]. The current anti-hyperlipidemic therapy includes principally statins and fibrates, the former corrects the altered blood lipid profile by inhibiting the bio-synthesis of cholesterol and the latter acts by enhancing the clearance of triglyceride rich lipo proteins. The investigation on plant drugs will be a useful strategy in the discovery of new lead molecules eliciting improved activity by regulating the different mechanisms maintaining the lipid metabolism and thus can be used in treating hyperlipidemia of varied etiology[2]. Traditional system of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese prescribe numerous herbal drugs for cardio vascular disorders. Recently herbal hypolipidemics have gained importance to fill the lacunae created by the allopathic drugs. The Amaranthus plants are spread throughout the world, growing under a wide range of climatic conditions and they are able to produce grains and leafy edible vegetables. Amaranthus caudatus (A. caudatus) Amaranthaceae was traditionally used to cure piles, fever, diuretic, leprosy. Methanolic extract of A. caudatus showed antinociceptive, antipyretic[3], hepatoprotective activity[4], and in vitroamylase inhibition and antioxidant activity[5]. Amaranthus spinosus (A. spinosus) Amaranthaceae, is an annual herb, native to tropical America and found as a weed in cultivated lands as well as follow lands throughout India. A. spinosus showed chemoprotective, in vivo antioxidant activity[6] and in vitro alphaamylase inhibition in oxidative stress in diabetic rats[7]. Amaranthus viridis (A. viridis) Amaranthaceae is an branched glabrous herb, distributed in all tropical countries. The traditional uses are anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti ulcer, laxative, anti leprotic and asthma[8]. Methanol extract of A. viridis showed in vitro anthelmintic property[9], hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity[10]. A. caudatus, A. spinosus and A. viridis have been used to reduce the elevated lipid profile in Indian traditional system ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT