Antihyperlipidemic activity of concomitant administration of methanolic fraction of flax lignan concentrate and omega-3-fatty acid in poloxamer-407 induced experimental hyperlipidemia

Linum usitatissimum (Linn.), commonly known as flaxseed, which is a good source of dietary fiber and lignans. Secoisolaricirecinol diglucoside (SDG) from flaxseed and omega-3 fatty acids (n-3-FA) from algal source have been shown to have multiple health benefits including cardiovascular disorders and related disorders. The objective of present study was to prepare methanolic fraction of flax lignan concentrate (MF-FLC) and to investigate the antihyperlipidemic activity of MF-FLC and omega-3-fatty acid alone and in combination after acute administration in poloxamer-407 induced hyperlipidemic rats. Solvent–solvent extraction method revealed around 3 times increase in SDG lignan content than that of flax lignan concentrate. Acute hyperlipidemia was induced in rats using poloxamer 407 (1 ml of 30%, w/v; i.p.). Concomitant administration of MF-FLC (100 mg/kg) and n-3-FA (1 ml/kg) significantly reduced serum cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p < 0.001) and very low density lipoprotein (p < 0.001) whereas high density lipoprotein showed significant increase (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that supplementation of MF-FLC and n-3-FA can be useful for prevention/control of hyperlipidemia.