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Berberine significantly reduces plasma total cholesterol and nonhigh density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Golden Syrian hamsters
Author(s) -
Jia Xiaoming,
Zidichouski Jeffrey,
Wang Yanwen
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.5.lb97-a
Subject(s) - berberine , triglyceride , cholesterol , alkaloid , endocrinology , medicine , high cholesterol , high density lipoprotein , chemistry , pharmacology , stereochemistry
At present, people are actively seeking efficacious natural products to help reduce or maintain their cholesterol levels within a healthy range. In this regard, the plant alkaloid berberine has received a renewed interest for its significant lipid‐lowering capability and for its novel mechanism of action to reduce plasma cholesterol. However, only a few studies have been carried out to date and it is important to look further into the efficacy and safety, as well as examine the mechanisms by which this natural compound lowers both plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The present study examined the effect and safety of dietary supplementation with berberine on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in an animal model. Male Golden Syrian hamsters were fed with either a semi‐synthetic research diet containing 0.15% cholesterol and 5% fat or the control diet with addition of 100 mg/kg/d of berberine. After 4 wk, plasma total cholesterol and non‐HDL cholesterol levels were reduced by 22% ( P < 0.0001) and 28% ( P < 0.0001). Although a trend of triglyceride reduction was observed after berberine supplementation, it was not significantly different from that of the control group. Histopathological examinations in the major organs did not reveal any significant pathological changes due to berberine supplementation. It may be concluded that berberine is a potent natural agent to reduce plasma cholesterol levels without apparent side effects in hamsters.