Plant and endophyte-derived anti-hyperlipidemics: A comprehensive review with in silico studies

Natural products continue to provide potential pharmacological activities treating life-threatening illnesses. Among them is hyperlipidemia, which is a critical issue affecting approx. one-third of the world population and considered a risk factor for numerous life-threatening diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke. The current review article highlighted the pathogenesis and pathways involved in the biosynthesis of lipid components revealing the possible targets for treatments of hyperlipidemia. Different phytochemical classes derived from terrestrial plants and their endophytes are discussed with their mechanism of action in the light of previous in vivo studies. Since high levels of triglyceride and cholesterol (> 200 mg/dL) are the most prominent disorders in blood investigational analysis in hyperlipidemic patients, natural medicines acting on inhibition of cholesterol inhibition, such as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) and acetyl-CoA synthetase, are considered potential anti-hyperlipidemic candidates. Different organo-sulfides derived from garlic and onion, in addition to proanthocyanidins and catechins showed pronounced anti-hyperlipidemic activity in investigational studies. Interestingly, network design-based studies were performed and revealed that epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), quercetin, and monacolin k showed the highest connectivity with the putative proteins involved in the antihyperlipidemic activity. Moreover, they bind effectively to each target with binding energies of less than-5.0 kcal/mol. In addition, EGCG, quercetin, and monacolin k bind to AKT1 (AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1) with docking scores of-9.33,-8.37,-7.37 kcal/ mol, respectively. Therefore, the current review help discovery of candidate drugs for treatment of hyperlipidemia and associated serious diseases.(c) 2023 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.