Ultrasound-assisted extraction of hypolipidemic actives from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seedpod: Process optimization, phytochemical characterization, and hypolipidemic activity

value = 171.5 μg/mL) and significantly decreased the lipid accumulation in 3 T3-L1 cells. Flavonoids, especially for quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, were the major compounds. In vivo assays indicated that LSPE treatment reduced weight gain and serum lipid level, and repaired liver damage by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in obese mice. These findings highlight the potential of lotus seedpod as a natural source of hypolipidemic actives, while also demonstrating the high efficiency of UAE in extracting plant-based hypolipidemic compounds.