Hypolipidemic Effect of Avicennia marina Fruit Extract in High-fat Diet and Cigarette Smoke-induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

Abstract

Background:  Hyperlipidemia, exacerbated by high-fat diet and cigarette smoke exposure, is a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and Avicennia marina fruit extract may offer promising hypolipidemic benefits as a natural therapeutic agent. Aims: To evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of ethanol extract of Avicennia marina fruit (EEAF) in hyperlipidemic rats induced by a combination of a high-fat diet and cigarette smoke exposure, based on total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Study Design:  In vivo experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: STIFAR Yayasan Pharmasi Semarang, between October and November 2025. Methodology: An in vivo experimental study was conducted using 25 male Wistar rats. Hyperlipidemia was induced by administering a high-fat diet consisting of quail egg yolk and lard (1:1; 15 mL/kg body weight) combined with cigarette smoke exposure (30 cigarettes/10 rats/day) for 17 days. Rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5): negative control (0.5% Na-CMC), positive control (atorvastatin 2.52 mg/kg body weight), and EEAF-treated groups (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight). Treatments were administered orally once daily for 28 days. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Results: Induction significantly increased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 159.66 ± 64.30% and 121.88 ± 92.84%, respectively (p < 0.05). EEAF significantly reduced total cholesterol at all doses, with reductions of 47.72 ± 11.20%, 50.90 ± 2.78%, and 58.51 ± 8.69% (p < 0.05 for 30 and 60 mg/kgBW; p < 0.01 for 120 mg/kgBW). Triglyceride levels were reduced by 31.61 ± 27.57%, 46.87 ± 9.18%, and 59.16 ± 13.40%, with significant reductions observed at doses of 60 mg/kgBW (p < 0.05) and 120 mg/kgBW (p < 0.01) compared to the negative control. Conclusion: EEAF demonstrated significant hypolipidemic activity by reducing total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic rats. These findings suggest its potential as a natural agent for improving lipid profiles; however, further studies are required to confirm its safety and underlying mechanisms.Top of Form