UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is commonly associated with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disturbances. Although conventional drugs such as Simvastatin are effective, their long-term use may lead to adverse effects. Therefore, there is growing interest in exploring safer, plant-based alternatives. The present study evaluates the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of combined ethanolic extracts of Rosa spp. petals and Tagetes erecta flowers.

Methodology: Hyperlipidemia was induced in mice (25–30 g) by feeding an HFD for 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of treatment. Animals were divided into six groups: normal control, HFD control, standard (Simvastatin 20 mg/kg), and three test groups receiving extract combinations (25:75, 50:50, 75:25; 100 mg/kg, p.o.). Body weight was recorded weekly, locomotor activity was assessed using an activity wheel (RPM), and serum lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL, LDL) was analyzed at the end of the study.

Results: HFD significantly increased body weight, decreased locomotor activity, and altered lipid parameters (↑TC, TG, LDL; ↓HDL). Treatment with Simvastatin markedly reversed these changes. All polyherbal formulations showed significant improvement in body weight, RPM, and lipid profile compared to the HFD control. The 75:25 ratio demonstrated the most pronounced effect, with results comparable to the standard group. HFD significantly increased body weight and altered lipid parameters by increasing TC, TG, and LDL levels while decreasing HDL levels compared to the normal control group (p < 0.001). Treatment with Simvastatin and the combined ethanolic extracts of Rosa spp. petals and Tagetes erecta flowers significantly reversed these changes (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The combined ethanolic extracts exhibit significant anti-hyperlipidemic activity, supported by improvements in physiological, behavioral, and biochemical parameters. The 75:25 formulation was found to be the most effective, indicating a potential synergistic interaction. These findings suggest that the polyherbal combination may serve as a promising natural therapeutic option for managing hyperlipidemia, warranting further mechanistic and clinical investigations.