Abstract
Developing drugs against metabolic-related disorders, including obesity and hyperlipidemia,
is of importance for human health. Here, a bioactive phytochemical, protodioscin,
isolated from the rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae), was identified for its anti-hyperlipidemic effect.
In hyperlipidemic rats, the post-administration of protodioscin significantly reduced
the time of blood coagulation. In addition, the blood levels of triglyceride, cholesterol,
low-density and high-density lipoproteins were also changed accordingly. Taken together,
this was the first report of an antihyperlipidemic effect of protodioscin. Its great
availability in various vegetables and medicinal plants will be useful in developing
health food supplement(s) and/or drug(s) against hyperlipidemia.
Key words
Dioscorea nipponica Makino -
Disocorea L. - Dioscoreaeceae - protodoscin - hyperlipidemic
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Prof. Dr. Karl W. K. Tsim
Department of Biology The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay Road, Kowloon Hong Kong
NIL Hong Kong
China
Phone: + 85 2 23 58 73 32
Fax: + 85 2 23 58 15 59
Email: botsim@ust.hk