Changes in the Markers of Atherosclerosis Following Administration of Belimbing Dayak (Baccaurea Angulata) Fruit Juice in Experimental Rabbits Fed with Cholesterol Diet

The aims of this present study were to investigate the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and plaque-reducing activity of Baccaurea angulata (BA) fruit as a new anti-atherogenic plant. Twenty five male rabbits of New Zealand strain used were randomly assigned to five groups. Rabbits were fed either a standard chow diet (group N) or a high-cholesterol diet (groups CH, C1, C2 and C3). Groups C1, C2 and C3 were also given 0.5ml or 1ml or 1.5ml/kg/day BA whole fruit juice respectively. BA juice had high antioxidant activities indicated by the increase in the SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), when comparing the C1, C2 and C3 groups with group CH. In the group CH, there was statistically significant increase in IL-8 and IL-18 levels as compared to C1, C2 and C3 groups. Likewise, BA juice reduced plaque formation in rabbits’ aorta. Therefore, BA juice is beneficial in preventing atherosclerosis.