In vitro and in vivo hypolipidemic properties of the aqueous extract of , cultivated in colored flasks under artificial illumination.

Background: is blue-green algae that grows mainly in tropical and subtropical lakes and is commonly used due to its nutritional features including high concentrations of protein, vitamins, mineral salts, carotenoids and antioxidants. This study aimed to investigate the anti-hypercholesterolemic potential of aqueous extract of cultivated in different colored flasks under artificial illumination; in vitro and in the diet induced hypercholesterolemic Swiss albino mice.

Methods: was cultivated in red, blue, green and colorless Erlenmeyer flasks containing Zarrouk's medium under aerobic conditions, with incessant illumination by artificial cool white fluorescent with light intensity of 2500 lux (35 µmol photon m s). Chlorophyll a and total carotenoid contents were estimated using colorimetric methods, fatty acids composition was determined by GC-Mass, in vitro and in vivo anti-cholesterol assays were used in assessing the anti-hypercholesterolemia potential of obtained cells.

Results: The results showed that the highest cell dry weight, chlorophyl a, and carotenoid of were observed in colorless flasks and that the lowest values were recorded with the green colored flasks. Also, the hot water extract of obtained from colorless flasks at a concentration of 15 mg/mL after 60 min of incubation exhibited the greatest reduction of cholesterol level. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of methanolic extract showed 15 bioactive compounds were identified and grouped according to their chemical structures. An experimental model of hypercholesterolemic mice had been examined for impact of individually and combined with atorvastatin drug. All groups resulted in a remarkable decrease in plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein; and increase in high density lipoprotein.

Conclusion: The present study concluded that the hot aqueous extract of developed in colorless flasks is recommended as a natural source for bioactive compounds, with anti-cholesterol and antioxidant potentialities.