The effects of Emblica officinalis on serum lipids and atherogenesis, in albino rats fed with high fat diet.

Abstract

The present work is aimed to evaluate the effects of Emblica officinalis (Amla) extract on serum lipids and atherogenesis, in albino rats fed with high fat diet. Healthy albino rats of Wistar strain (150-200 gm each) were randomized into five groups of six animals each- Group A (received normal diet), Group B (received normal diet + Emblica officinalis extract 1 gm/kg BW), Group C (received high fat diet consisting of vanaspati ghee and coconut oil at a ratio of 3:2, at a dose of 10 ml/kg/day), Group D (received high fat diet + Emblica officinalis extract 1 gm/kg BW) and Group E (received high fat diet + simvastatin 1.8 mg/kg BW). Treatment period was 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, lipid profile was evaluated by estimating total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, serum LDL, serum HDL and atherogenic index. Ethanolic extract of Emblica officinalis showed significant antihyperlipidaemic activity (P< 0.01) with significant improvement in atherogenic index (P<0.01). The results suggest that Emblica officinalis extract at a dose of 1 gm/kg BW exerts antihyperlipidaemic effect comparable to that of simvastatin. It also possesses hypolipidaemic activity.