Hypolipidemic effects of microencapsulated powder fraction from Hibiscus sabdariffa. L calyx in hyperlipidic rats

The lipid-lowering activity of microencapsulated and nonmicroencapsulated Hibiscus sabdariffa L. powder fractions in rats rendered hyperlipidemic by a hyperlipid diet (HLD) was determined. Dried calyces of H. sabdariffa were finely ground and fractionated on a sieve column to retain particle sizes ϕ < 315 µm, and were microencapsulated with maltodextrin (MD). Rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, hyperlipid diet group (negative control groups), hyperlipid diet group supplemented with atorvastatin, non-microencapsulated (NMEPHS) and microencapsulated (MEPHS) powders from H. sabdariffa calyces groups. Rats received atorvastatin, NMEPHS and MEPHS for three weeks. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) and individual powders were dissolved in water and administered to rats at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight for three weeks. Body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and adiposomatic index (ASI) were calculated. Lipid profil, and MDA were increased in the negative control rat groups compared with the negative control rat group. NMEPHS and MEPHS significantly reduced body weight gain, ASI, HSI, TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, AST, and MDA and increased HDL-C level significantly. Moreover, SOD and CAT activities were reduced with HLD and significantly increased with HSCP intake. however, the most significant activities were revealed by MEPHS. These results suggest that MEPHS exerts potent lipid-lowering effects, promotes hepatic fat breakdown, and regulates antioxidant enzymes in a more efficient manner.