Cynara cardunculus var. ferocissima. L methanolic extract prevents lipidic increase and maintains the antioxidant balance in the serum and liver of hyperlipidemic Wistar rats induced by Triton WR-1339

Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for renal disease, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis via the accumulation of lipids and oxygen-reactive species in both blood and tissues. Phytotherapy is an effective approach for preventing and managing hyperlipidemia and its associated disorders. This study aimed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of Cynara cardunculus var. ferocissima leaf extract in a Wistar rat model of hyperlipidemia induced by Triton WR-1339. For this purpose, the extract was administered for 14 days by oral gavage at a dose of 400 mg/kg, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339 to induce hyperlipidemia. The lipid profile and liver and kidney biochemical biomarkers were evaluated 24 h after Triton injection, and the levels of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated in both the serum and liver. The administration of Cynara ferocissima leaf extract remarkably prevented lipid increase and renal and hepatic disorders and maintained redox balance by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing total antioxidant capacity in the blood and liver. In conclusion, Cynara cardunculus var. ferocissima leaf extract prevents hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress and exerts promising hepatoprotective effects by reducing hepatic lipid accumulation and enhancing the antioxidant capacity. Cynara Cardunculus L. Var. ferocissima is ubiquitous in Morocco. The methanolic leaf extract prevents hyperlipidemia after 14 days of administration. The extract prevents efficiently fat accumulation in the liver. It reduces oxidative stress and promotes antioxidant activity in serum and liver.