Phytother Res. 2002 Dec; 16(8): 765-8.

Hypolipidaemic activity of methanol extract of Aleurites moluccana.

Pedrosa RC, Meyre-Silva C, Cechinel-Filho V, Benassi JC, Oliveira LF, Zancanaro V, Dal Magro J, Yunes RA.

Departamento de BioquÃmica, Centro de CiÃªncias BiolÃ³gicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC, FlorianÃ³polis - SC, Brazil.

The lipid-lowering action of the leaves of the Aleurites moluccana methanol extract was studied in Triton W-1339 and high-fat-diet fed rats. The serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) and body weight were found to be lowered by A. moluccana (300 mg/kg, b.w.) in rats with Triton-induced hypercholesterolaemia and on a hyperlipaemic diet. The results suggest that the lipid lowering action of this natural product is mediated through inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and reduction of lipid absorption in the intestine.Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.