Hypocholesterolaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of solasodine (C₂₇H₄₂O₂N) in cholesterol fed rabbits

Solasodine (C₂₇H₄₂O₂N), a nitrogen analogue of diosgenin reduced serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by 73.3% and 73.5% and prevented atherogenesis (Atherogenic index-control: 1.99; athero- group: 3.12; solasodine treatment 2.12–2.32). The cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was decreased by 42.02% while the HDL ratio was raised significantly. Solasodine treatment prevented the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver and aorta and regressed plaque size in the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Faecal excretion of cholesterol and phospholipids was significantly (p>0.001) increased suggesting that modulation of absorption was affected.