Iranian Journal of

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New studies have introduced atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disorder. Usage of anti-inflammatory drugs thus can be useful in preventing atherosclerosis and anti-inflammatory herbal medicines without side effects seem desirable in this view.
Amirkahiria Odorutissima (AO) (umbelliferae) is an Iranian flora being traditionally used a:> an anti‌inflammatory drug. This study assessed the effects of this plant on the development and progression of fatty streaks.
Methods: Twenty male rabbits were obtained from Iran Pasture institute and were kept under standard condition for two weeks, then randomly divided into four groups with different diets. Groups 1 were fed on rabbit chow (normal cholesterol), group 2 were fed on a high cholesterol diet. group 3 were fed on normal cholesterol diet supplemented with AO, group 4 were fed on high cholesterol diet supplemented with AO. After 12 weeks, the animals were killed and biopsied for their aortas and right and left branches of coronary arteries. Biochemical factors were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Levels of cholesterol, LDL, HDL. triglyceride and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were determined by enzymatic methods, and quantitative CRP were determined with turbidometrie methods, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity were determined with spectrophotometry.
Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference between AO supplemented group compared with other groups (p<0.05) in terms of mean grade o"' fatty streak o"' right and left coronary arteries and aorta. At the end of the 12 weeks period, cholesterol. LDL and CRP were significantly reduced in the groups 3 and 4 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study suggests a protective role for Amirkahiria odoratissima Mozaffahan against the development of fatty streak the mechanism of which should be investigated in future studies.