This study was conducted to investigate the potential antihyperlipidemic effect of extract of A. sessilis leaf in high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. A. sessilis extracts were prepared using sequential extraction to obtain petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water extracts. Extracts at the dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight were orally administered to hyperlipidemic rats for 28 consecutive days. Serum lipid profile, liver function enzymes, hepatic and fecal fat as well as total bile acid were evaluated. In vitro antioxidant activities were also assessed. Water extracts of A. sessilis significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the level of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and CRI ratio (p < 0.05) when compared to the hyperlipidemic control. Water and methanol extracts did not significant changes in liver enzymes when compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Methanol and water extracts decreased liver total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and triglycerides (p < 0.001) when compared to hyperlipidemic control and significantly (p < 0.05) increased fecal total bile acid as compared to controls. Both water and methanol extracts exerted potential antioxidant activities. A. sessilis extracts elicit antihyperlipidemic activity partly by reducing hepatic fat, increasing fecal fat and bile acids as well as scavenging the free radicals. This suggests a preventive effect of A. sessilis against hyperlipidemia.
Hypolipidemic Agents