Objective: To observe the hypolipidemic effect of Cassiae Semen on hyperlipidemia model rats

and inspect tissue lesions of main toxic target organs

in order to provide the reference for safe

effective and rational use of traditional Chinese medicine Cassiae Semen. Method: The hyperlipidemia model was established with high-fat feeding for 28 d

and randomly divided into 5 groups: model group and 4 Cassiae Semen water decoction groups (0.315

1.575

3.15

6.3 g · kg-1). After continuous lavage for 90 d

the effect of Semen Cassiae on the hyperlipemia model rats on general conditions

serum lipid levels

liver blood lipid levels

serum biochemical index

and pathological sections of liver and kidney tissues were detected to evaluate the dose-effect (toxicity) differences among various doses of Cassiae Semen. Result: Compared with model group

Cassiae Semen 3.15

6.30 g · kg-1 dose group showed significant decreases in serum total cholesterol (TC)

triglyceride (TG)

and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (P<0.01)

and significant increases in high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) (P<0.01). The levels of TC and TG in liver were significantly decreased (P<0.01)

and the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) was significantly increased (P<0.01

P<0.05) in liver

suggesting that Cassiae Semen has a certain cholesterol-lowering effect. Liver tissue sections of various doses of Cassiae Semen showed vacuole-like degeneration and swelling in hepatocytes

hepatic nucleus pycnosis and necrosis

and inflammatory cell infiltration in hepatic sinus. Kidney tissue sections revealed renal tubule epithelial cell swelling and degeneration

and renal interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration. And with the increase in dose

the number of lesions increased

and lesion damage became more serious. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in blood of three dose groups (3.15

1.575

6.30 kg-1) were significantly higher than those of model group (P<0.01

P<0.05)

suggesting that Cassiae Semen has a certain hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity after long-term intake

and thus shall not be taken in a high-dose manner for a long term. Conclusion: Cassiae Semen has a certain toxic effect after long-term intake

and thus shall be cautiously used.