Antioxidant and Antihyperlipidemic Potential of Ficus deltoidea Leaf Extracts: In Vitro Inhibition of LDL Oxidation and HMG-COA Reductase and Reduction of Lipid Accumulation in Palmitic Acid-Induced HepG2 Cells

Hyperlipidemia is a growing concern due to its association with cardiovascular disease, a leading global cause of mortality. Ficus deltoidea(Mas Cotek), traditionally consumed in Malaysia, has demonstrated antioxidant properties and the ability to reduce cholesterol. To date, the potential of F. deltoidea leaves for treating hyperlipidemia remains largely unexplored. In this study, water extraction of F. deltoidea leaves produced a crude extract (CE) further separated into water (WF) and ethyl acetate (EAF) fractions. Antioxidant capacities were assessed through various assays including the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, as well as the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, the cupric ion reducing capacity, and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays. The CE, also both WF and EAF of F. deltoidea leaves were then evaluated for their ability to inhibit the oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins. It was discovered that CE demonstrated the highest antioxidant activities and exhibited the most potent effect in prevention of human low-density lipoprotein oxidation. The antihyperlipidemic potential of F. deltoidea leaves was also evaluated based on their inhibitory effect on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and their ability to reduce intracellular lipid accumulation in palmitic acid (PA)-stimulated HepG2 cells. CE demonstrated the strongest inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity and significantly reduced PA-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells in both pre- and post-treatment protocols. Consequently, F. deltoidea leaves could be an excellent source of natural antioxidants and antihyperlipidemic agents, essential for maintaining healthy cardiovascular function.