In Vivo. 2003 Jan-Feb; 17(1): 101-3.

Effects of Cupressus sempervirens cone extract on lipid parameters in Wistar rats.

Karkabounas S, Kiortsis DN, Zelovitis J, Skafida P, Demetzos C, Malamas M, Elisaf M, Evangelou A.

Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.

BACKGROUND: Lipid-lowering drugs have been developed to treat hyperlipidemia, but they are expensive, while serious side-effects may occasionally occur. In Albania, a hydroalcoholic extract of the cones of Cupressus sempervirens is used to treat a variety of disorders, including hyperlipidemia. The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of Cupressus sempervirens cone extract (CSE) on the lipid profile of Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were divided into two groups. Group I (30 animals) served as a control group. Serum lipid parameters, muscle and liver enzymes, red and white blood count, platelets, and serum concentrations of uric acid and creatinine were determined at baseline and at weeks 6, 12, 18 and 24 of the study. RESULTS: The oral administration of the extract resulted in a substantial decrease of serum total cholesterol, which was significant even after 6 weeks of treatment. Moreover, these animals exhibited lower total cholesterol levels compared to the controls after the initiation of treatment (p < 0.001) during the study period. The administration of the extract led to a substantial reduction in serum triglycerides (p < 0.05) in Group I, comparing 0 week to 6-24 weeks. However no significant differences in triglyceride levels were observed between CSE animals (Group I) and controls (Group II) during the entire study period. No significant changes in HDL-cholesterol in the other parameters occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: The administration of CSE has an important lipid-lowering effect in Wistar rats.