Eugenia caryophyllus Extract Exerts Hypocholesterolemic and Antioxidant Effects in High-Cholesterol-Fed Rats

Background: Eugenia caryophyllus (clove) is an important aromatic household spice. The plant is believed to possess medicinal properties and is commonly used in herbal preparations by traditional healers in the treatment of different ailments and diseases. Objectives: We investigated the lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects of aqueous extract of Eugenia caryophyllus on high-cholesterol-fed rats. Materials and Methods: Cholesterol (۴۰ mg/۰.۳ mL) was administered to induce hypercholesterolemia in rats by oral gavage, and Eugenia caryophyllus (۱۰۰ or ۲۰۰ mg/kg) and Questran (۰.۲۶ g/kg) were administered five times a week for eight consecutive weeks. Serum lipid-profiles, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and antioxidant parameters were examined in liver and heart post mitochondrial fraction (PMF). Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (ALT and AST) activities and liver tissue histology were used to evaluate tissue toxicity. Results: Hypercholesterolemia produced a noticeable decrease in serum HDL-c, whereas a concurrent elevation in serum LDL-c, total cholesterol, and triglycerides as well as serum ALT and AST was observed. Furthermore, hypercholesterolemia remarkably decreased antioxidant status, but LPO content was increased. These indices were significantly attenuated in hypercholesterolemic rats treated with E. caryophyllus extract (۱۰۰ or ۲۰۰ mg/kg of body weight). Specifically, reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was increased in a dose dependent manner in liver and heart PMF. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of aqueous extract of E. caryophyllus might be due to its ability to ameliorate lipid profiles, enhance antioxidant activities, and delay the lipid peroxidation process. This confirms the previously identified protective roles of E. caryophyllus in human health.