Comparative effects of quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract of Otostegia persica boiss with atorvastatin on atherosclerosis complication in male wistar rats

The use of herbal remedies is significantly considered in the atherosclerosis treatment, reduction of fatty elements, and prevention of activity of oxidative stress factors. The present study was conducted on 48 rats in 6 groups. The experimental and sham groups were fed with 2% cholesterol for 40 days; and experimental groups were separately treated by atorvastatin, quercetin, and hydroalcoholic extract for 4 weeks. After treatment procedure, some serum factors such as low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. Serum levels of LDL, TC, MDA, and ROS were significantly lower in experimental groups than sham group (p < .01). There was a significant decrease in serum MDA levels of these two groups in comparison with the atorvastatin‐treated group (p < .05). Blood pressure parameters were decreased in treated with quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract in comparison with the sham group (p < .05). Quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract similar to atorvastatin could decrease serum lipids [except high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)], oxidative stress factors, aorta contraction, weight gain, and blood pressure. These reagents improved the vascular structure and prevented the plaque formation.