Evaluation of the hypolipidemic effect of cinnamon essential oil in a model of acute damage induced by triton WR-1339

Introduction and Objective

To evaluate the lipid-lowering activity of cinnamon essential oil in a model of acute hyperlipidemia induced by Triton WR-1339 in Wistar rats.

Material and methods

Male and female Wistar rats 250-350g were divided randomly into five groups of six rats: Normal control group (SHAM), hyperlipidemic group (HL), non-toxicity cinnamon group (NO TOX), cinnamon essential oil + Triton WR-1339 group (AEC), atorvastatin treatment group (ATORV).

Orogastric administration was performed for seven days and subsequently, triton or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally for 24 hours before undergoing sacrifice. The non-toxicity of cinnamon essential oil at a concentration of 200mg/kg, biochemical markers, proinflammatory cytokines and expression of genes associated with oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. The trial was approved by the research ethics committee.

Results

No increase in liver enzymes was observed in rats from the group of non-toxicity. Cinnamon essential oil administration significantly reduced cholesterol (COL), triglycerides (TG), and VLDL levels. Regarding the measurement of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of genes related to oxidative stress and inflammation, no effect was observed on these parameters at the evaluated dose of cinnamon essential oil.

Discussion

Cinnamon essential oil treatment showed a significant reduction in COL, TG and VLDL levels, displaying a higher effectivity than atorvastatin. The non-significant results in the levels of cytokines and expression of genes related to oxidative stress and inflammation could be attributed to the acute damage model employed; had more time been given to the model, said makers might have been activated.

Conclusions

The hypolipidemic activity of cinnamon essential oil was demonstrated to be more effective than atorvastatin.

Funding

The resources used in this study were from the hospital without any additional financing

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.