PJB-2025-431
Protective Role of Carica papaya and Terminalia arjuna Bark Extracts against High-Fat Diet Induced Hyperlipidemia through modulation of Antioxidant and Inflammatory Gene Expression in Rats
Asma Hussain
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is closely linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to its progression and complications. This study investigated and compared the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Carica papaya and Terminalia arjuna leaf extracts against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The phytochemical profiles of both extracts were analyzed, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity using FRAP and DPPH assays. Both extracts exhibited high levels of antioxidant effect by ferric reducing power (13.72 ± 0.11 mM Fe²⁺/g) and significant radical scavenging activity (74 ± 0.58%) of DDPH, thus confirming the potent potential of antioxidant effect. Biochemical parameters, including lipid profile, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities, were evaluated. Inflammatory markers and cytokine gene expression were quantified using qRT-PCR, and histological examination was performed. C. papaya exhibited higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (74%) and higher TPC, whereas T. arjuna showed greater ferric-reducing power and higher phenolic and flavonoid contents. HFD-induced hyperlipidemia significantly reduced SOD and catalase activities in the positive control group. Treatment with both extracts restored antioxidant enzyme activities and improved lipid profiles. qRT-PCR analysis revealed down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and normalization of DUOX1/DUOXA gene expression. Histological examination confirmed the protective effects of the extracts against heart tissue damage. Overall, both C. papaya and T. arjuna demonstrated protective activity against hyperlipidemia by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. These findings highlight that C. papaya and T. arjuna bark extracts synergistically reduce dyslipidemia and oxidative stress by modulating the antioxidant and inflammatory gene pathways showing the strong potential as natural bioactive therapeutic agents.
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