Effect of Plumbago zeylanica in hyperlipidaemic rabbits and its modification by vitamin E

Abstract

Effect of ethanolic extract (50% v/v) of Plumbago zeylanica (root) alone and combined with vitamin E (an antioxidant)was studied in experimentally induced hyperlipidaemic rabbits. There was significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Marked reduction was observed with the formulation of P.zeylanica and vitamin E. The total cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios were found significantly decreased (P<0.05). P.zeylanica showed good margin of safety as determined by acute toxicity studies in albino rats and albino rabbits, as well as by the absence of adverse effects on haematological and biochemical parameters in albino rabbits upto 60 days of administration.