EFFECTS OF FICUS CARICA AGAINST HIGH FAT DIET INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIA IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS.

Abstract

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Ficus carica (F. carica) is a native plant of Asia that is widely spread in the
Mediterranean region too since ancient times. Fruits (figs) and leaves of F. carica are rich in
sugars, amino acid, minerals, vitamins, phenols, coumarins, flavonoids, sterols, and volatile
compounds, etc. OBJECTIVE: To study and analyze the preventive and curative lipid lowering
effects of F. carica in high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia model of Male Albino Wistar Rat.
STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. PLACE & DURATION: Animal House of the Sindh
Agriculture University, Tando Jam from April 2021 to September 2021. METHODS: A sample
of 60 male albino rats (Wistar strain) was selected by criteria. Hyperlipidemia was induced with
high fat diet (HFD) (60% fats, 20% proteins and 20% carbohydrates). Rats were equally divided
into 4 groups (n=15); A to D. F.carica was given in dose of 400 mg/Kg bwt daily for six weeks.
3 – 5 ml blood was collected and stored at -200C and blood lipid levels detected. Data was put in
SPSS 21.0 ver. (IBM, Incorporation, USA). 1 –way ANOVA and post – Hoc Fischer`s LSD
analyzed the continuous variables at 95% CI (P<0.05). RESULTS: Preventive and curative
efficacy of F. carica was positively proved in the hyperlipidemia induced rat model. Lipid
lowering potential of Ficus carica was observed. Significant decrease in TC, TG, LDLc was
found and HDLc was found increased concomitantly (P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: The present
study observes significant lipid lowering effect of Ficus carica in high fat fed rats hence it may
be consumed as a dry fruit for improving the hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia.