Interfering effect of Gynostemma pentaphillia on atherosclerosis caused by high cholesterol diet in rabbits

Objective To research the interfering effect of Gynostemma pentaphillia(Gp) on atherosclerosis(As) due to high cholesterol diet in rabbits.Methods Forty rabbits were divided into 4 groups:group A fed high lipid+ Gp,group B given simvastain,group C fed high lipid diet,and group D fed stantard diet as the control.All the animal blood lipid was determined before and on weeks 3 and 9 after the experiment.Results Pathologic changes:The ratio of As plaques to intema showed significant difference between groups A,B and C(P0.01).ET-1 levels were up-regulated significantly before than after feeding in group A,B and C(P0.05).CRP levels after feeding were gradually elevated in groups A,B and C compared to pre-feeding(P0.01). Blood lipid(TG,TC,LDL-C) levels were gradually elevated along with feeding duration expending,and showed significant difference than those of prefeeding(P0.05,P0.01). Compared to pre-feeding,HDL-C levels were significantly higher,and TG and TC levels in group A and B were lower.Conclusion The Chinese herbal medicine Gp similar to simvastatin is of an interfering effect on As in rabbits,and it may be related to protect the endotheliocyte,inhibite the inflammation,and regulate the blood lipid metabolism.