Evaluation of hypolipidemic effects of Lyciumbarbarum (Goji berry) in a murine model

Lycium barbarum L. Solanaceae a traditional medicinal plant of China has been accorded a very high safety value. It has been known to possess various benefi cial effects like reducti on of blood glucose and serum lipids in alloxan-induced diabetes models, anti-ageing, immuno-modulating, anti-cancer, anti-fatigue, and male fertility-facilitatory actions. The present study is an attempt to explore the hypolipidemic effects of powdered L. barbarum in high fat diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia. Powdered L. barbarum fruit extract (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg) was administered to Wistar albino rats fed on a cholesterol-rich high-fat diet for 45 days. The effects were compared with the standard drug atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day, oral). After 30 days of treatment, the lipid profile of the blood samples of the experimental rodents was evaluated. The data presented as mean±SEM were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. In the present study, L. barbarum powdered extract showed a significant reduction in the total cholesterol, triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels at both the doses employed (p<0.05). However, reduction in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels was significant (p<0.05) only at the dose of 500 mg/kg when compared to the standard drug group. The increase in high-density lipoprotein levels was significant only at 250 mg/kg. The data thus suggests the positive anti-hyperlipidemic activity of L. barbarum in high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.