The Comparative Effects of Atorvastatin and Quince Leaf Extract on Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND This study investigates the ability of quince leaf extract to prevent progression of atherosclerosis and to determine the lipid-lowering effect of it. OBJECTIVES This study suggested that quince leaf effects on progression of atherosclerosis, and performed comparison with atorvastatin as a standard medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of 50mg/kg of the quince leaf extract on lipid profiles was assessed by measuring the levels of totalcholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and AP) in plasma and were evaluated the thickness of aortic plaques in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits after stopping. These assessments were performed using 0.5 mg/kg of atorvastatin. RESULTS Oral administration of cholesterol for 8 weeks resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in plasma markers. Treatment with the extract at dose of 50 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg of atorvastatin not only were reduced lipid profile in plasma (P < 0.05) but also were increased HDL-cholesterol levels. There were decrease (P = 0.04) in the liver enzymes in extract treated rabbits. However, plaque thickness had no significant difference in the aorta of treated rabbits compared with studied control. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate the lipid-lowering effects of quince leaf similar to atorvastatin and it can probably serve as a new potential natural product for atherosclerosis treatment.