Improvement on high-cholesterol diet induced atherosclerosis, lipid profile, oxidative stress and genotoxicity in the liver of mice by Echinops spinosissimus Turra subsp. spinosus

Abstract Background Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. Methods The present study investigates the possible mechanism of Echinops spinosissimus Turra subsp. spinosus ( E. s. spinosus ) flower on the high cholesterol diet. Results Our in vitro results demonstrated the richness of E.s. spinosus flower in antioxidant compounds, and its antioxidant activities. The co-administration of E.s. spinosus (100 or 200 mg/kg/day) with high-fat diet attenuated hepatotoxicity as monitored by the improvement of oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma lipid and liver parameters, when compared to the hypercholesterolemic mice. Atherogenic index and body weight were also reduced markedly, compared to control mice. These results were confirmed by the improvement of histological changes and DNA damage. Conclusion These data indicate that E.s. spinosus flower reduces the hypercholesterolemia risk and atherogenic properties of dietary cholesterol. Its hypocholesterolemic effect may be due to its antioxidant activities and its richness in bioactive molecule.