Ethnopharmacological relevance: Small Alpine onion Allium humile (Alliaceae) is a common traditional Indian medicine used for blood purification, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic and seasoning agents. It is also used for the treatment of asthma, jaundice, stomach problems, cardiovascular disorders and anti-cancer agent.
Aim of the study: In this study, various extracts from the A. humile were taken and their therapeutic activity against dyslipidemia was evaluated in wistar rat models.
Materials and methods: The extraction was done by Soxhlet extraction and the extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and aqueous) obtained were then tested for nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. The effective extracts i.e., methanol and ethyl acetate were then selected for in vivo studies in wistar rats. Dyslipidemia was induced in rats by feeding them high fat diet, and extracts of varying concentrations were administered to assess their potential for decreasing dyslipidemia. Statin was used as a positive control. After treatment, the blood was drawn and serum was separated for tests such as lipid profile, atherogenic index, lipid peroxidation and histopathological study. GC-MS analysis was carried out to identify the types of compounds present in A. humile extracts and FTIR analysis of extracts was done to determine the types of chemical bonds and functional groups.
Results: The phytochemical screening of A. humile extracts revealed a high concentration of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, and saponins. Different extracts were evaluated to inhibit the nitric oxide at different concentrations. At the concentration of 700 μg/ml, methanol extract showed maximum inhibition of 78.26%, followed by ethyl acetate, ethanol, aqueous and hexane have shown 62.25%, 54.26%, 47.59% and 36.99% respectively. The GC-MS analysis of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts revealed many compounds. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of many functional groups pertaining to various compounds. The methanolic extract (100 mg/kg) was more active (P < 0.0001) than the ethyl acetate extract in lowering lipid levels, lipid peroxidation, and the decreasing development of the lipoidal layer in aortic wall and rupture of the intima and media confirmed by histopathological study.
Conclusion: The results indicate that A. humile methanolic extract was more active than the ethyl acetate extract in lowering lipid levels, lipid peroxidation, inhibiting NOS production and the decreasing development of the lipoidal layer in aortic wall and thus could serve potential antihyperlipidemic agent to enhance cardiovascular health.
Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Dyslipidemia; GC-MS; Lipid peroxidation; Lipid profile.
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