Hypolipidaemic activity of dimethoxy unconjugated propenyl side-chain analogs of α-asarone in mice

The hypolipidaemic activity of several dimethoxy unconjugated propenyl side-chain analogs of alpha-asarone were investigated in hyperlipidaemic mice after six days of treatment. Eugenol and the alpha-asarone analog with amino groups on the C-4 position of the aromatic ring were observed to be the most effective hypolipidaemic agents at the dose of 80 mg/kg/day p.o. These compounds significantly lowered total serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), and triglycerides content. On the other hand, high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) was increased by administration of these hypolipidaemic agents. The ability to modulate the levels of these lipids suggests that these agents could be effective in the treatment of hyperlipidaemic states. These compounds appeared to be safe when administered at an oral dose of 80 mg/kg/day, which is within the therapeutic range in mice. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.