Abstract

Impatiens balsamina, commonly known as balsam rose, is widely grown in India and China as an ornamental plant. The flowers of this plant have been reported as a rich source of polyphenols, especially flavonols. In China and some parts of India, this plant has been traditionally utilized for various clinical conditions, both wholly and partially. As this plant is a rich source of flavonols, the current study was carried out to investigate its antihyperlipidemic activity. The methanolic extract of Impatiens balsamina flowers was tested against dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia in male Wistar rats. 10 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone was used to induce hyperlipidemia in rats combined with the co-treatment by utilizing the methanolic extract of Impatiens balsamina flowers of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg orally for 8 d. Lipid parameters, glucose and oxidative stress markers were analyzed in serum and liver tissues, respectively. Dexamethasone treatment caused sustained elevation of serum lipid parameters, glucose levels and oxidative stress markers. Co-treatment with the methanolic extract of Impatiens balsamina significantly reduced the elevated serum lipid profile, glucose levels and oxidative stress markers in dose-dependent manner. Pronounced antihyperlipidemic activity of methanolic extract of Impatiens balsamina flowers was observed at the dose of 400 mg/kg. Histopathological studies of rats’ liver also reflected the same. The present study provides strong evidence for the antihyperlipidemic activity of methanolic extract of Impatiens balsamina flowers without any observed side effects at the studied dosage.