Dose-dependent effect of aqueous extract from Dendrobium officinale on blood lipids and lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemic rats

Dendrobium officinale is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine exhibiting multiple bioactivities, showing antitumor and immune-enhancing effects. The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of aqueous extract from Dendrobium officinale on blood lipids and lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemic rats. Hyperlipidemic rats were prepared and daily given an intragastric administration of Dendrobium officinale at doses of 0.25g/kg, 0.5g/kg, or 1g/kg, or an intragastric administration of 8mg/kg simvastatin. We determined increased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), reduced serum levels of HDL-C, elevated MDA levels, decreased activity of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT in liver tissues of hyperlipidemic rats. Intragastric administration of Dendrobium officinale reduced serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, AST, increased serum levels of HDL-C, reduced MDA levels, and enhanced activity of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT in liver tissues of hyperlipidemic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, aqueous extract from Dendrobium officinale plays an inhibitory role in the formation of high blood lipid and strengthens the antioxidant capacity in hyperlipidemic rats.