Effects of artesunate and ursolic acid on hyperlipidemia and its complications in rabbit

Objective: To find the novel hypolipidemic agents, the effects of ursolic acid and artesunate on hyperlipidemia and its complications were determined in rabbit fed with Western-type diet. Methods and results: New Zealand rabbits fed a Western-type diet developed a hyperlipidemia. Rabbits received ursolic acid (25 mg/kg) or artesunate (25 mg/kg) alone, or in combination (12.5 + 12.5 mg/kg), to prevent hyperlipidemia. Ursolic acid or artesunate alone significantly decreased the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride in rabbits. Furthermore, they both attenuated liver steatosis and reduced the area of aortic root lesions. The combination of ursolic acid and artesunate was more potent than either agent alone, which indicates a strong synergistic effect. Conclusion: The hypolipidemic effect of artesunate is firstly reported. Its combination with ursolic acid might have the potential to further develop for the treatment of atherosclerosis. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.