Evaluation of Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity and Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Crude Extract from the Seeds of Hordeum Vulgare

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases, leading to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. The search for safer and effective lipid-lowering agents has motivated research into plant-derived compounds. Hordeum vulgare (barley) is a widely consumed cereal grain traditionally used for managing digestive, metabolic, and cardiovascular ailments. The present study aimed to evaluate the antihyperlipidemic activity and conduct preliminary phytochemical screening of the crude ethanolic extract of Hordeum vulgare seeds. The powdered seeds were extracted using ethanol, and the extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis, which confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, and beta-glucans. Antihyperlipidemic activity was assessed using Triton X-100–induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. Animals were divided into groups and treated with two doses of the extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) and compared with a standard drug, Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg). Serum lipid parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very low–density lipoproteins (VLDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were measured. The extract produced a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in serum TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL levels, along with an increase in HDL levels, in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination of liver tissues further supported the biochemical findings, showing reduced fatty changes and improved hepatocellular architecture in extract-treated groups. The results indicate that Hordeum vulgare seed extract possesses potent antihyperlipidemic activity, likely attributed to its rich phytochemical constituents, particularly flavonoids and beta-glucans. This study validates the traditional use of barley in lipid management and supports further investigation into its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia.

Keywords: Hordeum vulgare; Antihyperlipidemic activity; Barley seeds; Natural lipid-lowering agents; Beta-glucans; Ethanolic extract.