Antihyperlipidemic, Hepatoprotective, and Nephroprotective Activity of Two Different Matricaria pubescens Methanolic Extracts in Rats

Abstract

Matricaria pubescens, an aromatic plant, is traditionally utilized for treating rheumatism, gout, and asthma. This work assessed the therapeutic potential of two methanolic extracts from M. pubescens (EMMP1 and EMMP2) against obesity symptoms like overweight and hyperlipidemia in male rats. These rats, after receiving a dose of Triton X-100, showed notable gains in body weight, leptin levels, and serum levels of LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and overall cholesterol, coupled with a significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol. However, the administration of two extracts to hyperlipidemic rats ((Hyp + EMMP1) and (Hyp + EMMP2)) significantly reduced their body weights by 14% and 19%, and serum leptin levels were significantly reduced by 24% and 19%, respectively. These results indicate liver damage that happened after CCl4 exposure, resulting in a 64%, 29%, 65%, and 233% a rise in the serum concentrations of liver enzyme activity including ALAT, ASAT, LDH, and ALP. The study indicates that extracts from M. pubescens have notable effects in reducing obesity and managing fat levels, while also protecting the liver from damage and reducing oxidative stress. This suggests they could be valuable in treating conditions related to obesity.