Comparison of anti-atherosclerotic effects of two different extracts from leaves of Mallotus furetianus

Objective: To compare the anti-atherosclerotic effects of two different extracts from the leaves of Mallotus furetianus by using rat model of atherosclerosis. Methods: The air-dried powdered Mallotus furetianus leaves were extracted with ethanol and then evaporated. The ethanol extract was experienced Diaion HP-20 CC with a gradient of MeOH and H2O (50:50, 100:0, v/v) and two fractions, Mallotus furetianus A (Mf A) and Mallotus furetianus B (Mf B) were obtained. Rats were divided into control, atherosclerosis and vitamin E, Mf A and Mf B treated groups. Atherosclerotic model was established by administering a loading dose of vitamin D-3 and feeding standard diet enriched with 2% cholesterol, 0.5% porcine cholate, 0.2% methimazole, 5% sugar, 10% pork fat. Vitamin E (0.20 g/kg), Mf A (0.053 g/kg), Mf B (0.057 g/kg) (with the potential) were administered to interfere with the development of atherosclerosis. After 9 weeks, rats were sacrificed and the blood lipid as well as composition of bile was examined. In addition, the thoracic aorta was harvested to evaluate histological changes and the intima-media thickness ratio. Results: Atherosclerosis model was successfully established, administration of vitamin E, Mf A and Mf B increased excretion of total bilirubin in bile, decreased triglyeride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level, enhanced ration of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and LDL-C in blood, improved histological changes and diminished intima-media thickness ratio of thoracic aorta in atherosclerotic rats. As for the difference in anti-atherosclerotic effects between Mf A and Mf B, Mf A may be more powerful in declining TG level and Mf B may be more effective in decreasing TC level. Conclusions: The two different extracts, Mf A and Mf B can prevent the development of atherosclerosis, In detail Mf A is more effective in regulating TG level and Mf B is more powerful in modulating TC level in atherosclerotic rats.