Please cite this article in press as: Harnafi H, et al. Phenolic acid-rich extract of sweet basil restores cholesterol and triglycerides metabolism in high fat diet-fed mice: A comparison with fenofibrate. Biomed Prev Nutr (2013), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bionut.2013.03.005 ARTICLE IN PRESS G Model BIONUT-148; No. of Pages 5 Biomedicine & Preventive Nutrition xxx (2013) xxx–xxx Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Original article Phenolic acid-rich extract of sweet basil restores cholesterol and triglycerides metabolism in high fat diet-fed mice: A comparison with fenofibrate Hicham Harnafi a,∗ , Mhamed Ramchoun b , Mounique Tits c , Jean-Noël Wauters c , Michel Frederich c , Luc Angenot c , Mohammed Aziz b , Chakib Alem d , Souliman Amrani b a Laboratoire de valorisation et sécurité des produits agroalimentaires, Faculté des sciences et techniques, 23000 Béni-Mellal, Morocco b Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, 60000 Oujda, Morocco c Laboratoire de phytochimie, Service de pharmacognosie, CHU de Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium d Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences et techniques, 52000 Errachidia, Morocco a r t i c l e i n f o Article history: Received 27 January 2013 Accepted 8 March 2013 Keywords: Ocimum basilicum Phenolic acids Hypolipidemia Atherogenic index Mice a b s t r a c t Many spices are often added to foods as additives to enhance organoleptic qualities, such as flavor, aroma and color. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) family of Lamiaceae is widely used in cooking for its culinary attributes. In this study, we aimed at the investigation of the hypocholesterolemic and hypo- triglyceridemic activities of the basil phenolic acid-rich extract in high fat diet-induced hyperlipemic mice. Hyperlipemia was developed by a high fat diet containing cholesterol, lard and cholic acid. At the beginning of the experiment, animals were divided into three groups, one of them served as normolipi- demic control group (NCG), the second hyperlipidemic control group (HCG) and the third basil-treated group (BTG). After 5 weeks of treatment, basil phenolic acid-rich extract significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol (-42%,-42% and -86%, respectively, P < 0.001). How- ever, HDL-cholesterol was increased (+79%, P < 0.001). The extract reduced the atherogenic index and LDL/HDL-C ratio (-88% and -94%, respectively, P < 0.001). The reductions of liver total cholesterol and triglycerides were of -50% (P < 0.01) and -58% (P < 0.01), respectively. The hypolipemic effect of the phe- nolic acid-rich extract is comparable to that exerted by fenofibrate. This drug significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol (-25.5%, -51%, and -83.5%, respectively, P < 0.001) and increased plasma HDL-cholesterol (+136%, P < 0.001). On the other hand, fenofibrate significantly decreased atherogenic index and LDL/HDL-cholesterol ratio (-91% and -93%, respectively, P < 0.001). The fenofibrate decreased hepatic total cholesterol by 59.5% and triglycerides by 72%, respectively (P < 0.01). HPLC analysis led to identify four major compounds: caftaric acid, cafeic acid, chicoric acid and rosmarinic acid. In conclusion, the Sweet basil contains phenolic products that are able to lower hyperlipidemia and prevent atherosclerosis. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in both developed and developing countries [1], atherosclero- sis and related complications account for the majority of these deaths [2]. Epidemiological and experimental studies have clearly shown the association between high blood LDL-cholesterol (LDL- C) concentrations and a high risk of cardiovascular events, the HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) have, in contrast, a protective effect against the risk [2]. Furthermore, high serum triglyceride levels are also important as risk factor, especially in diabetic individuals ∗ Corresponding author. Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences et tech- niques, 23000 Béni-Mellal, Morocco. Tel.: +212 633 63 07 48; fax: +212 523 48 52 01. E-mail address: hhicham02@gmail.com (H. Harnafi). since this lipid fraction influences lipid deposition and clotting mechanisms [3]. Generally, the therapeutic purpose of preven- tion or treatment of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases is to reduce elevated levels of plasma lipids, particu- larly LDL-C and triglycerides by drug and/or dietary intervention [4]. In this field, dietary polyphenols are to receive consider- able interest for their presumed role in the prevention of various degenerative diseases, such as cancers and cardiovascular diseases [5,6]. Ocimum basilicum L. commonly known as sweet basil (family of Lamiaceae) is a half-hardy annual or short-lived perennial herb, native to Asia, Africa, South America and the Mediterranean but widely cultivated worldwide [7,8]. This is an important culinary herb and medicinal plant [9]. It is a versatile herb that may be used in an abundant variety of food [6]. Many cultivars and varieties are used and some are cultivated especially for the manufacture of pesto [10]. 2210-5239/$ – see front matter © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bionut.2013.03.005