Thymus atlanticus polyphenol-rich extract regulates cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting its biosynthesis without affecting its excretion in hamsters fed a high-fat diet

Context Thymus atlanticus has been reported to have significant hypolipidaemic effect in animal models. However, the mechanism of this hypolipidaemic action still unknown. Objective To determinate the possible mechanism(s) of hypolipidaemic action of a Thymus atlanticus polyphenol-rich extract (PRE). Materials and methods Plasma, faecal, and liver cholesterol, bile acid content in the faeces, and gene expression level of HMG-CoA reductase, CYP7A1, ABCG5 and ABCG8 were analysed after 9 weeks in hamsters feeding normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with 400 mg/kg body weight/day of PRE. Results PRE significantly decreased total cholesterol content (p < .05) and HMG-CoA reductase expression (p < .05), but did not affect the faecal cholesterol, bile acid contents and CYP7A1 and ABCG5/G8 expression (p > .05). Conclusion We can conclude that the T. atlanticus extract is efficient in the alleviation of chronic hyperlipidaemia by acting as cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor.

Automated summary

Thymus atlanticus extract is effective in alleviating chronic hyperlipidaemia by acting as a cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor.