Abstract / Summary
Hyperlipidemia, a major public health challenge, is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Plant-based dietary interventions are being recognized as effective strategies for its prevention and management. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising candidates for functional food development. In this study, beetroot-sweet basil pestils were formulated by incorporating sweet basil leaf powder at varying concentrations (0–20%). Proximate analysis indicated significant (p < 0.05) increases in protein (1.75-fold), fiber (1.32-fold), and ash content (2.51-fold) compared with the control. Phytochemical evaluation further demonstrated a concentration-dependent enhancement in total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. Among formulations, the 5% sweet basil pestil was identified as optimal and administered to hyperlipidemic rats at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days. Serum lipid analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) elevations in high-density lipoprotein levels from 30 to 34.6 mg/dL along with significant reductions in total cholesterol from 221.6 to 206.4 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein from 164.8 to 156 mg/dL, and triglycerides from 165 to 154.8 mg/dL in treatment groups compared to the diseased control group. These findings highlight the potential of beetroot-sweet basil pestil as a novel functional food with therapeutic efficacy against hyperlipidemia and associated cardiovascular risks.