Lipid lowering effects of Fucus vesiculosus and Phytolacca berry extracts: An alternative approach of treating hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia, a condition characterized by high levels of triglycerides in the blood, is often treated using lipid-lowering drugs like statins. However, these medications can cause side effects, intolerance to certain doses, and financial burdens, which may discourage their use. In response to these challenges, researchers explored the potential of plant-derived extracts as alternatives for managing hypertriglyceridemia.

This study focused on ethanol extracts of Fucus vesiculosus and Phytolacca berry, administered either alone or in combination, to mice fed a diet enriched with butter for a period of 12 weeks. The mice were divided into six groups: a normal control group, a butter control group, a statin control group, a group receiving the Fucus vesiculosus extract, a group receiving the Phytolacca berry extract, and a group receiving both extracts combined.

Throughout the study, various factors such as body weight, organ-to-body-weight ratios, serum lipid parameters, and histopathological changes were assessed. The results indicate that the group receiving the statin medication showed the lowest final body weight, while the group receiving both extract types demonstrated a similar body-weight trend.

The organ-to-body-weight ratios differed among the groups, with the statin group having the highest values and the combined extract group showing comparatively lower ratios for multiple organs. Among the lipid profiles, the Phytolacca berry extract group had the lowest total cholesterol concentration, followed by the statin group, while the combined extract group had cholesterol levels similar to the control and statin groups.

Additionally, the combined extract group exhibited the lowest serum triglyceride concentration at 129.9 mg/dL. Histopathological examination of tissue samples revealed relatively mild changes in the liver and limited formation of vascular plaques in the combined extract group. The findings suggest that the combined use of Fucus vesiculosus and Phytolacca berry extracts may offer favorable effects on body-weight gain and serum lipid profiles, particularly in reducing triglyceride levels.

However, the histopathological changes observed were mild. Before these plant extracts can be considered for clinical application, further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, conduct dose-response analyses, evaluate potential toxicity, and assess long-term effects.