The hypolipidemic effect of artesunate and ursolic acid in rats.

To find the novel hypolipidemic agents, the effects of ursolic acid and artesunate on hyperlipidemia were determined in rats fed a Western-type diet developed a hyperlipidemia. Rats received ursolic acid (50 mg/kg) or artesunate (50 mg/kg) alone, or in combination (25 ± 25 mg/kg and 50 ± 50 mg/kg), to prevent hyperlipidemia. Ursolic acid or artesunate alone significantly decreased the plasma triglyceride, but had no effect on the levels of cholesterol. The combination of ursolic acid and artesunate can reduce both triglyceride and cholesterol, and the effects were more potent than either agent alone, which indicates a strong synergistic effect. The hypolipidemic effect of artesunate is firstly reported. Its combination with ursolic acid might have the potential to further develop for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.