Exploring the hypolipidemic effects of bergenin from Saxifraga melanocentra Franch: mechanistic insights and potential for hyperlipidemia treatment

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to explore the hypolipidemic effects of bergenin extracted from Saxifraga melanocentra Franch (S. melanocentra), which is a frequently utilized Tibetan medicinal plant known for its diverse bioactivities. Establishing a quality control system for black stem saxifrage is crucial to ensure the rational utilization of its medicinal resources. METHODS: A one-step polyamide medium-pressure liquid chromatography technique was applied to isolate and prepare bergenin from a methanol extract of S. melanocentra. A zebrafish model of hyperlipidemia was used to investigate the potential hypolipidemic effects of bergenin. RESULTS: The results revealed that bergenin exhibited substantial hypo efficacy in vivo. Specifically, bergenin significantly reduced the levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) while simultaneously increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. At the molecular level, bergenin exerted its effects by inhibiting the expression of FASN, SREBF1, HMGCRα, RORα, LDLRα, IL-1β, and TNF while promoting the expression of IL-4 at the transcriptional level. Molecular docking analysis further demonstrated the strong binding affinity of bergenin to proteins such as FASN, SREBF1, HMGCRα, RORα, LDLRα, IL-4, IL-1β, and TNF. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that bergenin modulates lipid metabolism by regulating lipid and cholesterol synthesis as well as inflammatory responses through signaling pathways associated with FASN, SREBF1, and RORα. These results position bergenin as a potential candidate for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.