Hypolipidemic, Antioxidant and Cardioprotective Effects of the Aqueous Extract from Scorzanera Undulata Tubers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Aims: This study aimed to assess the effect of Scorzanera undulata on plasma lipid profile. Background: Scorzanera undulata (S. undulata) is a medicinal plant popularly used in the Moroccan pharmacopeia as traditional medicine, particularly to treat diabetes mellitus. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of aqueous extract of Scorzanera undulata tubers (AERSU) on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in Wistar rats. Biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-and high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL and HDL) were assessed. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant activity of AERSU was also evaluated. Methods: The effect of tubers aqueous extract (AERSU) of S. undulata (20 mg/kg) on plasma lipid profile was investigated in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The aqueous extract was tested for its in vitro antioxidant activity. In addition cardiovascular parameters were estimated. Results: Treatment with AERSU significantly improved the weight in diabetic rats and decreased plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL lipoproteins levels. Furthermore, the extract had a favorable impact on atherogenic index (AI) and coronary risk index (CRI). In addition, AERSU seems to possess a potent in vitro antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that aqueous Scorzanera undulata extract exhibits antidyslipidemic and antioxidant activities.