Potential Protective Effects of Parsley Aqueous Extract Compared to Effects of Atorvastatin on Hypercholesterolemia: Influence on Liver, Heart, and Kidney Functions in Male Albino Rats

Background: Numerous compounds with medicinal properties are provided by the plant kingdom, which shields humans and animals from several infectious diseases. The current study aimed to investigate how parsley aqueous extract (PAE) and atorvastatin (Ator) affect rats consuming a high-cholesterol and fat diet (HCFD). Methods: Thirty fully grown male rats were separated into five distinct groups: The first one functioned as a control. The second was orally and daily administered with PAE (2g/kg b.wt.). The third group received HCFD. The fourth one was fed on an HCFD and administered PAE (2g/kg b.wt.) orally and daily, and the last group was fed on an HCFD and given Ator (20 mg/kg b.wt./day) orally. After six weeks of the experiment, liver functions, cardiac biomarker, kidney functions, lipid profile tests, redox parameters, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines measurements, along with histopathological analysis. Results: The results revealed that administration of HCFD substantially elevated (P < 0.05) the mean body weight, Hepatic biomarkers (ALT, AST, and ALP), cardiac biomarker (c-TnI), renal biomarkers (creatinine and urea), some lipid profile tests (TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, AI), oxidant biomarkers (MDA, H₂O₂, NO), the pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β), but, significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the mean of total protein, albumin, HDL-C, the anti-oxidant biomarkers (GSH, CAT, SOD), the anti-inflammatory (IL-4, and IL-13) levels in the treated HCFD groups compared to the control group. The administration of PAE and Ator ameliorated the aforementioned effects caused by HCFD. In addition, there was significant enhancements in histoarchitecture were observed in the groups that received treatment compared to those that did not. Conclusion: This indicates that PAE exhibited therapeutic effects comparable to Ator in managing hypercholesterolemia and the related impairments affecting critical organs including the liver, heart, and kidneys, likely due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties.