Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of aqueous seed extract of Daucus carota L. In triton ×100-induced hyperlipidemic mice

Abstract

Daucus carota (carrot) seed is used medicinally in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus, in which oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia are associated complications. The study evaluated the antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of aqueous seed extract of D. carota aqueous extract (AQEDCS) in triton ×100-induced hyperlipidemic mice. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the extract (0.2–1.0 mg/ml) were evaluated using total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, and ferric ion scavenging. In vivo antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties of AQEDCS extract were evaluated using triton ×100-induced oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in mice. AQEDCS contains alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and produced significant antioxidant effects in vitro compared to Vitamin C. AQEDCS significantly (P < 0.05) decreased levels of plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein, coronary artery, cardiac, and atherogenic indices and increased circulating high-density lipoprotein levels when compared to untreated hyperlipidemic mice. AQEDCS significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the level of malondialdehyde compared to untreated hyperlipidemic mice. AQEDCS and simvastatin decreased (P < 0.05) reduced glutathione concentration in plasma, with no difference (P > 0.05) in the liver of mice compared to untreated hyperlipidemic mice. Similarly, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in plasma nitrite levels, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase except in AQEDCS mice that received 100 mg/kg body weight dose of AQEDCS extract when compared with non-induced control. The results indicated that AQEDCS possesses antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects, and could complement antioxidant defense system in vivo during oxidative stress as well as prevent further complications that could arise from hyperlipidemia during its usage for diabetes mellitus treatments.