Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Vitex Dry Extract on Dyslipidemia in an Experimental Model of Diet-induced Dyslipidemia

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Vitex dry extract (CKV) on an experimental model of dyslipidemia induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The study was conducted in two phases. In phase one, a dyslipidemia model was established in 40 white rats by feeding them a high-fat diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fat for 12 weeks. In phase two, the rats were allocated to the experimental groups and maintained on the corresponding diets and treatments for an additional 8 weeks. The therapeutic effect on dyslipidemia was evaluated based on changes in serum lipid profiles, the Lee obesity index, organ weight, and body fat. After 8 weeks of testing, CKV at both doses—288 mg/kg/day and 864 mg/kg/day—significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-c, and non-HDL-c, while increasing serum HDL-c levels in rats compared with the HFD model group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, CKV significantly controlled the increase in body weight, reduced abdominal circumference, the Lee obesity index, body fat mass, and the weights of the liver and kidneys. Vitex dry extract demonstrated therapeutic effects on dyslipidemia and significantly improved obesity indices in an experimental model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in white rats.

Keywords: Vitex dry extract; Dyslipidemia; Rats; Wistar strain; Lee obesity index.