Abstract:

The hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of anthocyanins from purple sweet potato (PSPAs) were evaluated. SD
rats were divided into two groups which were fed with normal diet and a high-cholesterol diet for four weeks, and then the
body weights and serum lipid profile were determined to examine whether hyperlipemia model was successfully established.
Then, the rats from the high-cholesterol diet group were divided into 5 groups including model group, positive control group,
and low-, medium- and high-dose anthocyanins groups. The levels of serum lipids, the activity of SOD and the content of
MDA were measured. The results showed that PSPAs significantly inhibited the body weight gain and the increases in liver
index and spleen index, but enhanced heart index. The levels of serum TC, TG, LDL-C and Apo B, atherosclerosis index and
liver MDA level in hyperlipidemia rats fed with PSPAs were significantly lower than those in the model group. In addition,
PSPAs increased serum HDL-C and Apo AⅠand the activity of SOD in liver. The best hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects
of PSPAs were observed when used at high dose.

Key words: anthocyanins from purple sweet potato, hyperlipidemia, hypolipidemic effect, antioxidant activity