Antihypercholesterolemia activities of red ginger extract (Zingiber officinale Roxb. var rubrum) on wistar rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the phenolic content of red ginger, determine the effect on lipid profile and body weight. Total phenolic levels were measured by using UV/Vis spectrophotometry with the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, at absorbance 760 nm wavelength. Hypercholesterolemia rat lipid profile was conducted in vivo by using a kit from Dyasis. Data was analyzed statistically with Two Way ANOVA. Rats were divided into 5 treatment groups with different of red ginger extract (0, 200, 350, 500 mg/kg bw, and simvastatin 7.2 mg/kg bw). Before the treatment of red ginger extract or simvastatin, rats were induced a high fat diet for 28 days. The treatment of red ginger extract and simvastatin were carried out for 2 weeks. The phenolic content of red ginger extract is 5194.15 ± 264.1 μg/g. The results of in vivo test showed that red ginger extract had a significant effect on lipid profile and body weight changes in hyperlipidemia rats at dose 200 mg/kg bw. Doses 200 mg/kg bw is not significantly different (p>0.05) to positive control group (simvastatin 7.2 mg/kg bw). Total cholesterol levels decreases 47.9%, LDL 32.7% and triglycerides 64.3% and HDL increases 25.8%.