Antihypercholesterolemic, Cardioprotective and Vitamins E and C Sparing Properties of Bryophyllum pinnatum in Rabbits

Potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum in preventing excessive lipaemia and oxidation, hence reducing predisposition to chronic diseases was assessed. B. pinnatum supplement was prepared by macerating a known weight of the plant in a known volume of distilled water. Ten rabbits were used for the study and were equally grouped into 2. Rabbits in group 1 were given 0.1 ml of distilled water once daily for 60 days and they served as control animals. A dose of 0.1 ml containing 0.2 g/ml of B. pinnatum supplement was given to each of the rabbits in group 2 once daily for 60 days. Bryophyllum pinnatum caused reduction in cholesterol concentration in serum, kidney, heart, intestine, brain and liver, while increased total lipids concentrations were observed in serum and kidney. B. pinnatum supplement reduced lipid peroxidation in heart, brain and liver. Administration of B. pinnatum caused increased glutathione reductase activity as shown by increased GSH concentration. Bryophyllum pinnatum demonstrated vitamins C and E sparing effects. Conclusively, B. pinnatum may be a good candidate as a nutraceutical.