Evaluation of Iyengariastellata for its hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activity

Cholesterol is believed to be the major regulator involved in the formation and progression of atheroma plaque. Seaweeds are known to possess enormous biological activities. They contain variety of active constituents, which have pharmacological significance. The objective of this study is to explore hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities of the brown seaweed Iyengariastellata. Ethanolic extract of seaweed was suspended in distilled water and administered orally at 10mg/200g body weight to rabbits for 30 days and total lipid level, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, alkaline phosphatase, SGPT, SGOT, Gamma GT were assessed. The results showed overall decrease in lipid profile whereas Iyengariastellata increased liver enzymes except SGPT which was decreased highly significantly, since SGPT is more specific indicator of liver injury, decreased value of SGPT indicates that Iyengariastellata toxicity is less severe and reversible with marked hypolipidemic effect, but during the course of ingestion of the seaweed the liver enzymes must be carefully monitored to ensure liver safety.