The Protective and Curative Role of Star Anise Extract against Margarine-Induced Atherosclerosis in Male Rats

The Protective and Curative Role of Star Anise Extract against Margarine-Induced Atherosclerosis in Male Rats Introduction: The diet and lifestyle of the Mediterranean populations have led to decreased rates of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Margarine is important constituents of our diet that contain trans fatty acids as major sources of dietary free radicals. Objective: The present study investigated the protective and curative effect of star anise extract against margarine induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Method: A total of 40 albino male rats were divided into 4 groups (10 rats for each group) as G1 (Control), G2 (Star anise), G3 (Experimental margarine group), G4 (Post treated group (Margarine + Star anise extract)). Results and Discussion: A significant increase in levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, Creatine kinase, Lactate dehydrogenase and Acid phosphatase, total protein and malondialdehyde in margarine group when compared with control, while HDL cholesterol and catalase data showed a significant decrease in margarine group when compared with control. Treatment with star anise extract helps in improving the adverse effect of margarine. Aorta sections of margarine group revealed abnormal straight tunica media with small subendothelial deposits of lipid enter the artery wall. There is also smooth muscle proliferation and migration from tunica media to intimae. Our histological and biochemical study confirms that; treatment with star anise extract helps in improving the adverse effect of margarine. So the present study recommends all people to keep star anise extract in all diets to be protected against atherosclerosis.