Hypolipidemic and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory effects of 15-oxoursolic acid from Rhododendron arboreum: An In-vivo and In-silico study.

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia is an identified risk factor for metabolic syndrome, obesity and cardiovascular complications characterized by elevated levels of lipids in blood.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase with 15-oxoursolic acid through in-vivo and in-silico assessments.

METHODS

The amorphous compound 15-oxoursolic acid was obtained from plant material through purification with a rotary evaporator and column chromatography. The male BALB/c mice were maintained under stabilized ambient conditions and sustained with standard food and water ad libitum. HFD was used to induce hyperlipidemia in rats.

RESULTS

HFD-induced hyperlipidemia in rats was developed with a marked increase in total cholesterol (58.34 ± 0.21 mg/dL), triglycerides (45.45 ± 0.39 mg/dL), LDL-c (66.12 ± 0.10 mg/dL), VLDL-c (19.34 ± 0.16 mg/dL), and a decrease in HDL-c (10.34 ± 0.18 mg/dL). The oral administration of 15-oxoursolic acid at a concentration of 30 mg/Kg b.w significantly reduced the serum concentration of total cholesterol (42.65 ± 0.54 mg/dL), triglycerides (32.33 ± 0.16 mg/dL), LDL-c (50.34 ± 0.15 mg/dL) and VLDL-c (13.15 ± 0.45 mg/dL), respectively and an increased in the serum HDL-c (18.56 ± 0.34 mg/dL). 15-oxoursolic acid also caused a decrease in the coronary risk index and atherogenic risk index. In-silico studies of 15-oxoursolic acid with HMG-CoA reductase showed significant interaction capability with binding energy (-9.26805 Kcal/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that 15-oxoursolic acid could significantly reduce the total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels in HFD-induced hyperlipidemia rats, which might lead to new medication with significant hypolipidemic potential.