Pharmacological evaluation of Typha domingensis for its potentials against diet-induced hyperlipidemia and associated complications

Purpose: To evaluate the hyperlipidemic potential of the methanolic-aqueous extract of Typha domingensis Pers.Method: Hyperlipidemia was induced in Wistar rats with high fat diet (HFD). The animals were divided into five groups; normal control group was administered normal diet and water ad libitum; whereas, all other groups were given HFD along with respective treatment; i.e., positive control group (normal saline, 1 ml/kg; p.o.), standard control group (atrovastatin 5 mg/kg; p.o.) and treatment groups received 70 % methanolic-aqueous extract of Typha domingensis (TD.Cr) at the 100 and 300 mg/kg p.o. After 28 days, the animals were weighed, blood was collected and sera separated. Aortas were dissected out for histological studies. Sera were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL. Hypotensive effects were evaluated through invasive technique followed by diuretic activity.Results: Typha domingensis extract significantly lowered the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL to 132.30 ± 1.145, 161.50 ± 1.33 and 41.67 ± 1.28 mg/dL, respectively, at 100 mg/kg (p < 0.001) and 111.50 ± 1.05, 157.70 ± 1.74 and 29.17 ± 0.98 mg/dL, at 300 mg/kg, respectively (p < 0.001). It produced anti-obesity effects represented as reduction in body weight by 17.00 ± 1.29 to 1.5 ± 7.63 g (p < 0.001) from 100 to 300 mg/kg, respectively, compared to control. Histological studies revealed the anti-atherosclerotic effect of the plant extract. A decreasing mean arterial blood pressure revealed hypotensive effects.Conclusion: Typha domingensis has a potential for the treatment of diet-induced hyperlipidemia and associated complications. However, clinical investigations are required to buttress these assertions.