Abstract
A corollary to the oxidation hypothesis of atherosclerosis is that the consumption
of antioxidants is beneficial. However, the literature is divided in support of this
conclusion. In this study, Boldine, an alkaloid of Peumus boldus and reduced form of RU486, was tested for their antioxidant potency both in, in vitro
oxidation system and in mouse models. Boldine decreased the ex-vivo oxidation of low-density
lipoprotein (LDL). Two different in vivo studies were performed to study the effect
of these compounds on the atherosclerotic lesion formation in LDLR−/− mice. In study I, three groups of LDLR−/− mice (N=12 each) were fed an atherogenic diet. Group 1 was given vehicle and group 2 and
3 were given 1 mg of Boldine or Red RU per day for 12 weeks. In study II, two groups of LDLR−/− mice (N=10 each) were fed an atherogenic diet. Group 1 was given vehicle and group 2 was
given 5 mg of Boldine per day. The results indicated that there was a decrease in lesion formation
reaching a 40% reduction due to Boldine and 45% reduction by Red RU compared to controls.
The in vivo tolerance of Boldine in humans (has been used as an herbal medicine in
other diseases) should make it an attractive alternative to Vitamin E.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
December 15,
2003
Received:
May 20,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
