Possible mechanisms of action of the aqueous extract of Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) leaves in producing hypotension in normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats

The diuretic effect of ethyl acetate fractions of Artocarpus altilis, Artocarpus champeden, and Artocarpus heterophyllus leaves in normotensive Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Artocarpus altilis, A. Champeden, and Artocarpus heterophylus are popular species in Indonesia, and are commonly used as traditional medicine.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the diuretic effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of these three species on normotensive Wistar rats.

METHODS

The ethyl acetate fraction was prepared by a liquid-liquid extraction method. To evaluate diuretic effects, the sixty rats were divided into normal (distilled water), negative (4.5% NaCl), positive control (furosemide 5 mg/kg), and the testing groups. The testing groups were orally given the ethyl acetate fraction of A. altilis, Artocarpus champeden, and A. heterophylus at three dose levels of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. All animals were orally given 4.5% NaCl at a dose of 2 mL/200 g except the normal group; then the animals were given drugs according to group doses. Urine volume and electrolyte levels produced by the testing groups were compared to those of the control group. The concentration and ratio of ions were calculated to determine the natriuretic and carbonic anhydrase activities.

RESULTS

The ethyl acetate fractions of the three Artocarpus species at 100 mg/kg dose were more active than the standard furosemide (p < 0.05) to increase urinary excretion. Furthermore, at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, the fraction significantly increased the excretion of Na+, K+, and Cl- ions more than the standard (p < 0.05). The testing groups showed good natriuretic and carbonic anhydrase activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The ethyl acetate fraction of A. altilis, A. champeden, and A. heterophylus leaves performed good diuretic and natriuretic activities. Therefore, the fractions can be considered as potential natural diuretic medicines.

Herbs and their bioactive ingredients in cardio-protection: Underlying molecular mechanisms and evidences from clinical studies

BACKGROUND

Medicinal plants or herbs produce a bounty of bioactive phytochemicals. These phytochemicals can influence a variety of physiological events related to cardiovascular health through multiple underlying mechanisms, such as their role as antioxidative, anti-ischemic, anti-proliferative, hypotensive, anti-thrombotic, and anti-hypercholesterolemic agents.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review is to summarize and connect evidences supporting the use of phytotherapy in the management of some of the most common cardiovascular impairments, molecular mechanisms underlying cardio-protection mediated by herbs, and clinical studies which are positively linked with the use of herbs in cardiovascular biology. Additionally, we also describe several adverse effects associated with some of the herbal plants and their products to provide a balanced set of studies in favor or against phytotherapy in cardiovascular health that may help global discourses on this matter.

METHODS

Studies relating to the use of medicinal plants were mined by strategically searching scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. Investigations involving approximately 175 articles including reviews, research articles, meta-analyses, and cross-sectional and observational studies were retrieved and analyzed in line with the stated purpose of this study.

RESULTS

A positive correlation between the use of medicinal plants and cardiovascular health was observed. While maintaining cardiovascular physiology, medicinal plants and their derivatives seem to govern a variety of cellular mechanisms involved in vasoconstriction and vasorelaxation, which in turn, are important aspects of cardiovascular homeostasis. Furthermore, a variety of studies including clinical trials, cross-sectional studies, and meta-analyses have also supported the anti-hypertensive and thus, cardio-protective effects, of medicinal plants. Apart from this, evidence is also available for the potential drawbacks of several herbs and their products indicating that the unsupervised use of many herbs may lead to severe health issues.

CONCLUSIONS

The cardio-protective outcomes of medicinal plants and their derivatives are supported by ever-increasing studies, while evidences exist for the potential drawbacks of some of the herbs. A balanced view about the use of medicinal plants and their derivative in cardiovascular biology thus needs to be outlined by researchers and the medical community. The novelty and exhaustiveness of the present manuscript is reflected by the detailed outline of the molecular basis of "herbal cardio-protection", active involvement of several herbs in ameliorating the cardiovascular status, adverse effects of medicinal plants, and the clinical studies considering the use of phytotherapy, all on a single platform.

Genetics and breeding for climate change in Orphan crops

Climate change is rapidly changing how we live, what we eat and produce, the crops we breed and the target traits. Previously underutilized orphan crops that are climate resilient are receiving much attention from the crops research community, as they are often the only crops left in the field after periods of extreme weather conditions. There are several orphan crops with incredible resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. Some are nutritious, while others provide good sources of biofuel, medicine and other industrial raw materials. Despite these benefits, orphan crops are still lacking in important genetic and genomic resources that could be used to fast track their improvement and make their production profitable. Progress has been made in generating draft genomes of at least 28 orphan crops over the last decade, thanks to the reducing cost of sequencing. The implementation of a structured breeding program that takes advantage of additional modern crop improvement tools such as genomic selection, speed breeding, genome editing, high throughput phenotyping and breeding digitization would make rapid improvement of these orphan crops possible, but would require coordinated research investment. Other production challenges such as lack of adequate germplasm conservation, poor/non-existent seed systems and agricultural extension services, as well as poor marketing channels will also need to be improved if orphan crops were to be profitable. We review the importance of breeding orphan crops under the increasing effects of climate change, highlight existing gaps that need to be addressed and share some lessons to be learned from major crops.

Simultaneous Use of Herbal Medicines and Antihypertensive Drugs Among Hypertensive Patients in the Community: A Review

In various countries, approximately 80% of patients use herbal medicine, both in single form or in combination with antihypertensive drugs, for the treatment of hypertension. Therefore, this research summarized studies on the simultaneous use of herbal medicines and antihypertensive drugs among hypertensive patients in the community. A literature search was conducted on PubMed in April 2020, and the following keywords were used: “herbal medicines” and “antihypertensive patients.” In total, 15 of 263 articles were found to be eligible in the initial research. Results showed that studies were performed in different countries worldwide including America and those in Europe, Asia, and Africa between 1960 and 2020. The factors associated with the use of herbal medicines and antihypertensive drugs were age, gender, education level, income, and residence. Herbal medicines and antihypertensive drugs are simultaneously utilized primarily due to their safety and high efficacy. Herbal medicine is frequently recommended by friends or colleagues, herbalists, advertisements, and health workers. Garlic is the most common herbal medicine used along with antihypertensive drugs. The side effects of combination therapy with herbal medicines and prescription drugs for the management of antihypertension include shortness of breath and cough, ulcers, diarrhea, knee cramps, and abdominal discomfort. The lack of communication between patients and health care workers could cause an increase in the simultaneous use of herbal medicines and antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, effective communication among health care workers and appropriate care are important in preventing the side effects and other risks of combined therapy.

Hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of an aqueous extract from Guinep fruit (Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq) in rats

Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq (Mb) has been reported to have cardiovascular modulatory effects. In this study, we evaluated the antihypertensive effects and mechanism of action of Mb on N^G-Nitro-l-arginine Methyl Ester (l-NAME) and Deoxycorticosterone Acetate (DOCA) rat models. Aqueous extract of Mb fruit (100 mg/kg) was administered for 6 weeks to rats by gavage and blood pressure was recorded. Effects of the extract on vascular reactivity was evaluated using isolated organ baths, and tissues were collected for biochemical and histological analysis. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with extract (100 mg/kg) administration and treatment compared to the hypertensive models. Mb (100 µg/mL) reduced the vascular contractility induced by phenylephrine (PE), and caused a dose-dependent relaxation of PE-induced contraction of aortic vascular rings. The vasorelaxation properties seemed to be endothelium dependent, as well as nitric oxide (NO) and guanylyl cyclase, but not prostaglandin dependent. Histomicrograph of transverse sections of the ventricles from the Mb group did not show abnormalities. The extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced an l-NAME induced elevation of cardiac output and Creatine Kinase Muscle-Brain (CKMB), but had no significant impact on the activities of arylamine N-acetyltransferase. In conclusion, Mb significantly decreased blood pressure in hypertensive models. The extract possesses the ability to induce endothelium dependent vasodilation, which is dependent on guanylyl cyclase but not prostaglandins.

Aristoteline, an Indole-Alkaloid, Induces Relaxation by Activating Potassium Channels and Blocking Calcium Channels in Isolated Rat Aorta

Alkaloids derived from plants have shown great medicinal benefits, and are often reported for their use in cardiovascular disease management. Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz (Maqui) has shown important medicinal properties in traditional useage. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the indole-alkaloid aristoteline (ARI), isolated from leaves of Maqui, on vascular reactivity of isolated aortic rings from normotensive rats. ARI induced relaxation (100%) in a concentration-dependent manner in intact or denuded-endothelium aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (PE; 1 μM). However, a specific soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ; 1 μM) significantly reduced the relaxation to ARI in aortic rings pre-contracted with PE. In the presence of ARI, the contraction induced by KCl or PE was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Interestingly, the potassium channel blockade with 10 μM BaCl₂ (Kir), 10 μM glibenclamide (K_ATP), 1 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA; KCa1.1), or 1 mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; Kv) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the ARI-induced relaxation. ARI significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the contractile response to agonist of Ca_V1.2 channels (Bay K8644; 10 nM), likely reducing the influx of extracellular calcium through plasma membrane. The mechanisms associated with this process suggest an activation of the potassium channels, a calcium-induced antagonism and endothelium independent vasodilation that possibly involves the nitric oxide-independent soluble guanylate cyclase pathway.

Understanding cancer and its treatment in Thai traditional medicine: An ethnopharmacological-anthropological investigation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thai traditional medicine (TTM) is widely practiced in Thailand and continues to gain importance in cancer management, but little is known about the TTM practitioners' emic concepts and practice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

With this study we firstly aim to document the practice of cancer treatment and prevention by TTM practitioners and, secondly, to evaluate how such traditional concepts and practices are correlated with biomedical ones. This in turn can form the basis for developing novel strategies for designing pharmacological experiments and longer term strategies to develop TTM practice.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 33 TTM practitioners were performed in five provinces in different regions of Thailand. The following information were recorded; basic information of informants, descriptions of cancer (mareng in Thai), causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Plants used in the treatment and prevention of mareng were also collected.

RESULTS

Using an in depth ethnographic approach four representative case studies to assist in a better understanding of the characteristics of mareng, its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are reported here. Five characteristics of mareng - waste accumulation (khong sia), chronic illnesses (krasai), inflammation (kan aksep), bad blood (luead) and lymph (namlueang), and the imbalance of four basic elements (dhātu si) - have been identified. Explanatory models of cancer in TTM were linked with biomedical concepts and relevant pharmacological actions. Traditional uses and available scientific evidence of medicinal plants mentioned in the case studies for the treatment or prevention of mareng are presented and discussed.

CONCLUSION

Here for the first time five main characteristics of cancer based on Thai traditional medical concepts are analysed. Our findings are relevant not only for the planning of clinical studies or pharmacological experiment in the search for novel compounds for cancer treatment and prevention, but also for the integration of Thai traditional medicine in cancer care.

Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 Activities by Extracts of Hyptis verticillata Jacq.: Assessment for Potential HERB-Drug Interactions

Understanding the potential for adverse drug reactions (ADRs), from herb-drug interactions, is a key aspect of medicinal plant safety, with particular relevance for public health in countries where medicinal plant use is highly prevalent. We undertook an in-depth assessment of extracts of Hyptis verticillata Jacq., via its impact on activities of key cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes (CYPs 1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 3A4 and 2D6), its antioxidant properties (determined by DPPH assays) and chemical characterisation (using LC-MS). The dried plant aqueous extract demonstrated potent inhibition of the activities of CYPs 1A1 (7.6 µg/mL), 1A2 (1.9 µg/mL), 1B1 (9.4 µg/mL) and 3A4 (6.8 µg/mL). Further analysis of other crude extracts demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP1A2 activity for a dried plant ethanol extract (1.5 µg/mL), fresh plant ethanol extract (3.9 µg/mL), and moderate activity for a fresh plant aqueous extract (27.8 µg/mL). All four extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, compared to the positive control (ascorbic acid, 1.3 µg/mL), with the dried plant ethanol extract being the most potent (1.6 µg/mL). Analysis of the dried plant aqueous extract confirmed the identity of seven phytochemicals, five lignans and two triterpenes. Individual screening of these phytochemicals against the activity of CYP1A2 identified yatein as a moderate inhibitor (71.9 μM), likely to contribute to the plant extract’s potent bioactivity. Further analysis on the impact of this plant on key drug metabolizing enzymes in vivo appears warranted for likely ADRs, as well as furthering development as a potential chemopreventive agent.

Cyclocommunol induces apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma partially through a Mcl-1-dependent mechanism

BACKGROUND

Crude extract of breadfruit has been reported to have antitumor activity against various cancer cell lines with unknown mechanism.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the proapoptotic effect of cyclocommunol (CYC), a prenylflavonoid from breadfruit, in two oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines, SCC2095 and Ca922.

METHODS

The antiproliferative effects of CYC were assessed by MTT assays and PI/annexin V analysis. SCC2095 cells were transiently transfected with Mcl-1 plasmid in overexpression experiment. Other methods used to investigate the mechanism of CYC included Western blotting, acridine orange staining and confocal microscopic visualization.

RESULTS

Our results showed that CYC suppressed the viability of SCC2095 and Ca922 with IC₅₀ values at 48 h of 4.2 and 5.0 µM, respectively. This decrease in viability occurred in a caspase-dependent apoptotic manner. In addition, CYC down-regulated the phosphorylation/expression of Akt/mTOR and Mcl-1, accompanied by reactive oxygen species generation, and autophagy induction. Notably, overexpression of Mcl-1 using Mcl-1-tag-myc partially rescued CYC-mediated caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and cytotoxicity. In summary, our study demonstrated the proapoptotic activity of CYC on OSCC, partially through down-regulation of Mcl-1.

CONCLUSION

CYC from breadfruit has translational value as a proapoptotic agent for OSCC.

Aqueous extract from leaf of Artocarpus altilis provides cardio-protection from isoproterenol induced myocardial damage in rats: Negative chronotropic and inotropic effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaves of Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson ex F.A.Zorn, Fosberg) (Moraceae) are used in the management of hypertension; this study assessed the cardio-protective effects of the leaf extract on isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial damage in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty (20) adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (175-230g) were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 (Control), 2 (AA) received 50mg/Kg Artocarpus altilis (AA) only; 3 (ISO) received 85mg/Kg ISO only; 4 (ISO+AA/50) and 5 (ISO+AA/100) received 50 and 100mg/Kg AA respectively for 6 days, after induced with ISO twice (85mg/Kg) at a 24-h period. Blood pressure readings were taken before and after the administering of ISO using the tail cuff method. ECG was performed on anaesthetized rats. Cardiac contractility was measured in isolated right atrial muscles. Assessment of myocardial infarct (MI) size, heart/body weight ratio, biochemical, hematological and histo-morphological parameters were conducted at the end of seven days. An aqueous extract from leaves of A. altilis was analyzed for organic compounds using UHPLC mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

ISO induced myocardial damage through an elevation of the heart rate (HR), infarct size and ECG distortions. Treatment with AA significantly (p˂0.05) reduced heart/body weight ratio (49%), MI (96%), HR (27%), sympathovagal imbalance (36%) and serum cardiac biomarkers (AST, LDH, HDL, triglycerides and CCK) caused by ISO. AA decreased the beat frequency of isolated right atrium (11%) cause by ISO, an action similar to propranolol (beta-adrenergic antagonist; 20%), but showed no significant changes in the QTc intervals of the ECG (suggesting no cardio-toxic drug-herb interactions), Thirty nine compounds were detected using high resolution LC-MS analysis (HPLC-Orbitrap-APCI-MS) in the extract. Pure compounds, as gallic acid and rutin, presented a higher negative chronotropic effect, similar to propranolol.

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of aqueous extract of Artocarpus artilis has cardio-protective functions in myocardial injury, in part, by decreasing the HR, reduced contractility and infarct size. These findings may explain the cardio-protective use of A. altilis in traditional medicine.

Significant inhibitory impact of dibenzyl trisulfide and extracts of Petiveria alliacea on the activities of major drug-metabolizing enzymes in vitro: An assessment of the potential for medicinal plant-drug interactions

Dibenzyl trisulfide (DTS) is the major active ingredient expressed in Petiveria alliacea L., a shrub widely used for a range of conditions, such as, arthritis, asthma and cancer. Given its use alone and concomitantly with prescription medicines, we undertook to investigate its impact on the activities of important drug metabolizing enzymes, the cytochromes P450 (CYP), a key family of enzymes involved in many adverse drug reactions. DTS and seven standardized extracts from the plant were assessed for their impact on the activities of CYPs 1A2, 2C19, 2C9, 2D6 and 3A4 on a fluorometric assay. DTS revealed significant impact against the activities of CYPs 1A2, 2C19 and 3A4 with IC50 values of 1.9, 4.0 and 3.2μM, respectively, which are equivalent to known standard inhibitors of these enzymes (furafylline, and tranylcypromine), and the most potent interaction with CYP1A2 displayed irreversible enzyme kinetics. The root extract, drawn with 96% ethanol (containing 2.4% DTS), displayed IC50 values of 5.6, 3.9 and 4.2μg/mL respectively, against the same isoforms, CYPs 1A2, 2C19 and 3A4. These investigations identify DTS as a valuable CYP inhibitor and P. alliacea as a candidate plant worthy of clinical trials to confirm the conclusions that extracts yielding high DTS may lead to clinically relevant drug interactions, whilst extracts yielding low levels of DTS, such as aqueous extracts, are unlikely to cause adverse herb-drug interactions.

Comparison of the Spasmolytic Effects of Jakyak-Gamcho Decoctions Derived via Different Extractants

Aim. To investigate whether differences in the amounts of effective index components in Jakyak-Gamcho decoctions derived via extraction with either water or ethanol were associated with differential spasmolytic effectiveness. Methods. The amounts of effective index components (paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, glycyrrhizin, and isoliquiritin) contained in water-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction and 70% ethanol-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction were compared by high-performance liquid chromatography. Muscle cramp reduction rates were compared between the two decoctions by comparing the degrees of muscle contraction, measured as the tension developed during electrical stimulation, before and 1 and 2 h after injection in rats. Results. The relative amounts of effective index components were, on average, about 43% higher in the 70% ethanol-extracted decoction than in the water-extracted decoction. Two hours after injection, 0.25 g/kg of 70% ethanol-extracted decoction produced a significantly greater spasmolytic effect than 0.25 g/kg of water-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction or distilled water (both p < 0.05). Conclusion. Differences in the amounts of effective index components resulting from the use of different extractants were associated with differences in spasmolytic effectiveness. Hence, it may be worthwhile to investigate alternative extraction methods in terms of extraction efficiency and in vivo effectiveness for various herbal medicines in the future.

Modulatory effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae) on cadmium-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in male Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental risk factor with an established toxicity in animals. Therefore, natural antioxidants may be protective against Cd-toxicity. The study was designed to investigate the modulatory effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (AA) on oxidant-antioxidant balance and lipid profile in liver and kidney of Cd-exposed rats while quercetin (QE) served as standard.

METHODS

Total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryldydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of AA were assessed in vitro. In vivo, rats were orally treated with AA (200mg/kg) and QE (25mg/kg) daily for three weeks and challenged with two doses of Cd (1.5mg/kg, i.p.) in the last 72h.

RESULTS

The TPC and DPPH scavenging effects of AA were high and comparable with catechin. Cd-intoxication significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase and levels of urea, total bilirubin and creatinine by 94%, 60%, 234% and 76%, respectively. Cd-exposure caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum and tissues total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and reduction in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. The levels of hepatic and renal antioxidant parameters: glutathione-s-transferase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in Cd-intoxicated rats with concomitant elevation of lipid peroxidation. Histopathological findings revealed necrosis and distortion of architecture of renal tissue and, periportal infiltration in hepatocytes of Cd-intoxicated rats. Pretreatment with AA and QE restored antioxidant status, lipid profile and attenuated the lesions in the tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Extract of A. altilis protects against Cd-induced liver and kidney dysfunction via antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.

Loranthus ferrugineus: a Mistletoe from Traditional Uses to Laboratory Bench

Objectives:

Loranthus ferrugineus (L. ferrugineus) from Loranthaceae, a mistletoe, is a medicinal herb used for a variety of human ailments. Traditionally, decoctions of this parasitic shrub have been mainly used to treat high blood pressure (BP) and gastrointestinal complaints; usage which is supported by experimental based pharmacological investigations. Nonetheless, there is still limited data available evaluating this plant’s traditions, and few studies have been scientifically translated toward evidence based phytomedicine. We therefore provide a concise review of the currently available L. ferrugineus literature and discuss potential directions for future areas of investigation.

Methods:

We surveyed available literature covering ethnopharmacological usage of L. ferrugineus and discussed relevant findings, including important future directions and shortcomings for the medicinal values of this parasitic shrub.

Results:

Evidence based pharmacological approaches significantly covered the medicinal application of L. ferrugineus for hypertension and gastrointestinal complaint management, with a particular focus on the active hydrophilic extract of this herb.

Conclusion:

Understanding the sites of action of this plant and its beneficial effects will provide justification for its use in old traditional treatments, and potentially lead to the development of therapies. Other medicinal applicative areas of this parasitic shrub, such as wound healing, gerontological effects, and antiviral and anticancer activities, are yet to be researched.

The therapeutic potential of medicinal foods

Pharmaceutical and nutritional sciences have recently witnessed a bloom in the scientific literature geared towards the use of food plants for their diversified health benefits and potential clinical applications. Health professionals now recognize that a synergism of drug therapy and nutrition might confer optimum outcomes in the fight against diseases. The prophylactic benefits of food plants are being investigated for potential use as novel medicinal remedies due to the presence of pharmacologically active compounds. Although the availability of scientific data is rapidly growing, there is still a paucity of updated compilation of data and concerns about the rationale of these health-foods still persist in the literature. This paper attempts to congregate the nutritional value, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, in vitro and in vivo studies of 10 common medicinal food plants used against chronic noncommunicable and infectious diseases. Food plants included were based on the criteria that they are consumed as a common food in a typical diet as either fruit or vegetable for their nutritive value but have also other parts which are in common use in folk medicine. The potential challenges of incorporating these medicinal foods in the diet which offers prospective opportunities for future drug development are also discussed.

Effects of Methanol Extract of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) on Atherogenic Indices and Redox Status of Cellular System of Hypercholesterolemic Male Rats

We investigated the effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (AA) on atherogenic indices and redox status of cellular system of rats fed with dietary cholesterol while Questran (QUE) served as standard. Biochemical indices such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low- and high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reduced glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed. Hypercholesterolemic (HC) rats had significantly increased relative weight of liver and heart. Dietary cholesterol caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the levels of serum, hepatic, and cardiac TC by 110%, 70%, and 85%, LDL-C by 79%, 82%, and 176%, and TG by 68%, 96%, and 62%, respectively. Treatment with AA significantly reduced the relative weight of the organs and lipid parameters. There were beneficial increases in serum and cardiac HDL-C levels in HC rats treated with AA. In HC rats, serum LDH, ALT, and AST activities and levels of LPO were increased, whereas hepatic and cardiac SOD, CAT, and GPx were reduced. All biochemical and histological alterations were ameliorated upon treatment with AA. Extract of AA had protective effects against dietary cholesterol-induced hypercholesterolemia.