NL Journal of Veterinary and Animal Nutrition

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Is Silybum Marianum a Good Alternative to Atorvastatin on Atherosclerosis? In Rabbits using an Animal High Fat Diet Model

Author(s) : Hossein Kargar Jahromi*, Bahareh Ebrahimi.

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Abstract

Background: Silybum marianum seed extract (SMSE) with antioxidative and antiatherosclerotic properties, contains flavonoids and Silymarin as its main active compounds. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of SMSE on atherosclerosis by evaluating the level of antiatherogenic apolipoprotein A-1, and B (ApoA-1, ApoB) and ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio, lipid profile, antioxidant system (OS) enzymes, and arterial wall thickness. Methods: Thirty-six male white New Zealand rabbits were divided into six groups (n=6) as follows: control group and atherosclerosis groups (2-6) who used high-fat diet for 4 weeks. Groups 3 to 6, animals were fed with standard diet for the second eight weeks. Group 3, atherogenic control group (AC), group 4, Atorvastatin group (AV), group 5, SMSE extract 1 (SM1, daily gavage of 100 mg/kg), and SMSE extract 2 (SM2, daily gavage of 200 mg/kg). After 2 months, blood level of antiatherogenic lipoprotein particles, lipid profile, OS enzymes, and arterial wall thickness were evaluated. Results: High fat diet affected rabbits’ vascular thickness, lipoprotein particles, lipid profile, and OS enzymes. Administration high dose of SMSE significantly reduced the aorta thickness (P<0.05), compared to lower dose, AV and control groups. Treatment also decreased serum NADPH oxidase, Malondialdehyde, and lipids, whereas increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and high-density lipoprotein in comparison with AC and AV groups. In contrast to AC and AV, treated rabbits showed an increase in the serum level of ApoA-1 and a decrease in ApoB and ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio. Conclusion: These results concluded that SMSE probably has anti-atherosclerotic and cardioprotective effects by modifying the factors involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis such as OS. Key words: Atherosclerosis, Antioxidants, Lipid profile, Silymarin, Oxidative Stress.

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