Evaluación del potencial hipolipemiante de Cymbopogon citratus S. en un modelo de hiperlipidemia aguda Evaluation of hypolipidemic potential of Cymbopogon citratus S. in a model of acute hyperlipidemia

A pharmacological study was conducted at the Department of Experimental Researches of the Experimental Toxicology Unit from Villa Clara, to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of the species Cymbopogon citrates S. (lemongrass) in a model of acute hyperlipidemia induced by poloxamer 407, non-ionic detergent. C57BL/6J male mice were used; the extract was evaluated in doses of 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg (group V and VI respectively). Six experimental groups were formed: group I corresponded to the negative control, II to control group of hyperlipidemia, III and IV to control groups of sinvastatin and nicotinic acid, as well as, group V and VI corresponded to the evaluated doses of Cymbopogon citratus S extract. Phytochemical characterization of hydroalcoholic extract was done; there were also evaluated clinical signs of toxicity, the plasma concentration of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG) and very lowdensity lipoprotein (VLDL). The phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of reducing compounds, alkaloids and tannins, showing great concentration of flavonoids and triterpenes. Cholesterol, TAG and VLDL variables for groups V and VI showed significant differences with respect to control group of hyperlipidemia (II), and behaved similarly to the control groups of sinvastatin (III) and nicotinic acid (IV). As a conclusion, the Cymbopogon citrates S. extract at the doses studied in the model of acute hyperlipidemia presents hypolipidemic activity. DeCS: hyperlipidemias, homeopathy.