Anthocyanin extracts of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) attenuate serum lipids and cholesterol metabolism in HCD-induced hypercholesterolaemic male mice

This study is aimed to evaluate the hypocholesterolaemic effect of anthocyanin extracts of lingonberry (LAE) in vitro and vivo studies. In vitro, LAE can effectively inhibit the micellisation of cholesterol with significant dose-effect relationship. In animal experiments, after 10-weeks of LAE administration, lower values of body mass, daily food intake, liver weight, visceral adipose content, TC level, LDL-C level, fasting blood glucose level and higher HDL-C level in serum, cholesterol content and total bile acid content in faeces are observed in HCD-induced hypercholesterolaemic mice compared with model group. These observations suggest that LAE could promote the metabolism of serum cholesterol in HCD-induced hypercholesterolaemic mice primarily via faecal excretion of cholesterol. Furthermore, LAE may reduce the inflammatory cell infiltration and attenuate steatosis and hepatocellular fat deposit in the liver. Our results indicate that LAE is a potential dietary supplement in cholesterol-lowering or for hypercholesterolaemic treatment. These findings may provide important basis for further optimisation of dietary anthocyanins utilisation.