Dyslipidemia, a key contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and a predominant cause of mortality worldwide, highlights the urgent necessity of effective management strategies employing alternative therapeutic approaches. The present study was undertaken to explore the anti-dyslipidemic potential of various Phyllanthus emblica leaf extracts viz., ethanol, hydro-ethanol, petroleum ether and aqueous extracts in rats. The P. emblica extracts were phytochemically screened and evaluated in an acute triton model to identify the most potent anti-dyslipidemic extract. The selected extract was then subjected to acute oral toxicity evaluation as per OECD TG 423 followed by its antidyslipidemic evaluation in chronic cholesterol and cholic acid model.
Amongst different extracts of emblica, ethanolic extract of P. emblica leaves (EPEL) revealed alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, saponins and steroids, while the hydroethanolic extract contained only sterols and tannins. The aqueous extract demonstrated flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and saponins, whereas the petroleum ether extract exhibited sterols, tannins and phenolic compounds. Further, as EPEL showed the greatest reduction in serum TC and TG levels among the different extracts in the triton model, EPEL was evaluated in cholesterol cholic acid model. In the study, EPEL significantly reversed cholesterol and cholic acid-induced aberrant serum and hepatic lipidemic parameters in a dose-dependent manner and restored the hepatic and renal toxicity indicators. Moreover, EPEL was found to be safe even to the acute oral limit dose level of 2000 mg/kg. The findings of the present study thus indicated significant dose-dependent anti-dyslipidemic activity and favorable safety profile of EPEL, emphasizing its potential as an effective alternative agent for managing dyslipidemia