Evaluation of Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity of Cinnamaldehyde in Triton-Induced Animal Model

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) is widely used in the traditional system of medicine to treat diabetes in India and exhibits antihyperlipidemic effects.

Objectives: The present study was carried out to evaluate the putative antihyperlipidemic effects of cinnamaldehyde

Methods: Male Sprague Dawley albino rats (130-150 g) were used in this study. Cinnamaldehyde was administered at different doses (10 and 30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 15 days in triton (single intraperitoneal dose of 100 mg/kg)-induced hyperlipidemic Sprague Dawley rats. Blood lipids and oxidative stress markers were examined in the study.

Results: It was found that oral administration of cinnamaldehyde (10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) restored plasma lipid concentration compared to the hyperlipidemic control group. In addition, cinnamaldehyde significantly increased GSH, and SOD levels and decreased MDA levels as compared to the hyperlipidemic control group. Administration of atorvastatin, a reference drug (10mg/kg/day, p.o.) also produced a significant (P < 0.05) restoration in blood lipid concentration and oxidative stress markers against triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Conclusions: The results of this experimental study indicate that cinnamaldehyde possesses antihyperlipidemic effects in triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats.