the effect of hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of heracleum persicum on lipid profile in cholesterol-fed rabbits

objective: this study was designed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of heracleum persicum (apiaceae) on lipid profile of male hyperlipidemic rabbits. materials and methods: thirty rabbits were randomly divided into six groups of five each. one group received normal diet and the other groups fed with a high cholesterol (2% w/w) diet for 7 weeks. vehicle, hydroalcoholic extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg), essential oil (200 ml/kg), and lovastatin (5 mg/kg) were administered orally to animals and their effects on lipid profile were evaluated. results: essential oil of h. perscum significantly (p<0.05) lowered serum triglyceride level and increased hdl-cholesterol concentration. moreover, hydroalcoholic extract (1000 mg/kg), essential oil (200 ml/kg), and lovastatin significantly (p<0.01) reduced serum concentration of total cholesterol and ldl-cholesterol. conclusion: these findings suggest that essential oil of the plant fruits may have some benefits in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.