Antioxidative properties of 14-day supplementation with Yacon leaf extract in a hypercholesterolemic rat model

Yacon leaves are rich in phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of a Yacon leaf hydroalcoholic extract in hypercholesterolemic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: G1: normal diet (healthy) (0.9% NaCl); G2: hypercaloric diet (control) (0.9% NaCl); G3: oral suspension of 10 mg/Kg simvastatin (SIM); G4: 20 mg/Kg Yacon extract (YE20); G5: 40 mg/Kg Yacon extract (YE40); G6: YE20 + SIM; and G7: YE40 + SIM. Lyophilized extracts were administered once daily by gavage for 14 consecutive days. The hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters were determined by classical methodologies. The groups that received the Yacon extract showed decreases in glucose and lipid levels. Administering the extract significantly decreased serum levels of cardiac markers and reduced inflammation. Moreover, the extract reduced oxidative damage parameters and significantly increased antioxidant defenses. These results suggest that the lyophilized Yacon extract has significant antioxidant activity, possibly due to its high content of phenolic compounds.