In-vitro Antioxidant and Antilipidemic Activities of Xanthium strumarium L.

In the present study Chloroform and alcohol extracts of Xanthium strumarium L. were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and antilipidemic activity by various methods namely total reducing power, scavenging of free radicals such as 1,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), super oxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide. The percentage scavenging of various free radicals were compared with standard antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and Butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT). The extracts were also evaluated for anti-lipidemic activity in Triton WR-1339 (iso-octyl polyoxyethylene phenol)- induced hyperlipidemia in Swiss albino rats by estimating serum triglyceride, very low density lipids (VLDL), cholesterol, low-density lipids(LDL), and high-density lipid (HDL) levels. Significant antioxidant activity was observed in all the methods, significant reduction (P < 0.01) in cholesterol at 6 and 24 h and (P < 0.05) at 48h. There was significant reduction (P < 0.01) in triglyceride level at 6, 24, and 48 h. The VLDL level was also significantly (P<0.05) reduced from 24 h and maximum reduction (P < 0.01) was seen at 48 h. There was significant increase (P < 0.01) in HDL at 6, 24, and 48 h. From the results; it is evident that alcohol and chloroform extracts of X. strumarium can effectively decrease plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL and increase plasma HDL levels.