Hypolipemic and antioxidant activities from
Tamarindus indica L. pulp fruit extract in
hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Food Chem
Toxicol
Hypolipemic and antioxidant activities from Tamarindus indica L.
pulp fruit extract in hypercholesterolemic hamsters
Abstract
Dietary modifications may significantly reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
The present study addressed the effects of the crude extract from the pulp fruit of Tamarindus indica L. on lipid serum levels and early
atherosclerotic lesions in hypercholesterolemic hamsters in vivo, and the extracts antioxidant action, in vitro. Animals were fed on either
chow or atherogenic diet during 10 weeks and concomitantly received either water or T. indica L. extract for drinking. Treatment of
hypercholesterolemic hamsters with the T. indica pulp fruit extract (5%) led to a decrease in the levels of serum total cholesterol
(50%), non-HDL cholesterol (73%) and triglyceride (60%), and to an increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels
(61%). In vitro, the extract presented radical scavenging ability, as assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide
radicals assays, and led to decreased lipid peroxidation in serum, as assessed by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)
assay. In vivo, the extract improved the efficiency of the antioxidant defense system, as assessed by the superoxide dismutase, catalase
and glutathione peroxidase activities. Together these results indicate the potential of tamarind extracts in diminishing the risk of atherosclerosis
development in humans.
2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Tamarind; Tamarindus indica L.; Hypercholesterolemic hamster; Antioxidant activity; Free radical; Atherosclerosis