In vitro study of the potential of powdered Bugnay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng) fruit extract as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is linked to chronic diseases with significant social and economic impacts. In the Philippines, the prevalence of obesity showed a gradually increasing trend. This study sought to find out the potential of powdered bugnay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng) fruit extract as a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor. This study contributes to discovering natural compounds that can effectively lower cholesterol levels without the adverse effects of statin drugs. It is also significant in developing safe and effective natural products for hyperlipidemia and promoting the utilization of Indigenous fruits in the Philippines as a source of bioactive compounds with health benefits. This study utilized a Randomized Block Design to test different treatments on bugnay fruit extract and pravastatin. Fruits were vacuum-dried, and their polyphenols were extracted for lipid-lowering assays. The IC50 value was calculated from dose-response curves. Results showed that powdered bugnay fruit extract significantly inhibited HMG-CoA reductase activity, with an average inhibition of 86.56%, compared to pravastatin’s 90.72%. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the inhibitory effects of bugnay fruit and pravastatin, suggesting bugnay fruit extract as an effective natural alternative. This study showed inhibition effects towards HMG-CoA reductase activity and inhibited cholesterol formation by inhibiting the catalytic process of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. Furthermore, powdered bugnay fruit extract may be a promising ingredient that helps lower hyperlipidemia in the community. It could be developed into a natural therapeutic alternative to synthetic statins, offering a safer option for managing hyperlipidemia, with fewer side effects and additional health benefits.