ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF FLAVONOIDS FROM PTEROCARPUS-MARSUPIUM

Serum lipid levels in rats with hyperlipidemia induced by diet as well as by Triton were determined after oral administration of EtOAc extra ct of Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood and its flavonoid constituents, marsupsin 1!, pterosupin 2!, and liquiritigenin 3!. Administration of EtOAc extract for 14 consecutive days produced a significant reduct ion of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL- and VLDL-choles terol levels without any significant effect on the level of HDL-choles terol. Liquiritigenin and pterosupin were able to effect a significant fall in serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and atherogenic index, pt erosupin being additionally effective in lowering serum triglyceride.