PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO HMG-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITION OF OCHNASQUARROSALEAF EXTRACT: A MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERLIPIDEMIA

This study aims at exploring the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of Ochnasquarrosa leaf extract by examining in vitro HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and molecular docking. The initial phytochemical test showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, sterols, and carbohydrates. The ethanol extract displayed concentration-dependent inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase with IC 50 value of 53.74 ug/mLwhich depicted that ethanol extract possesses remarkable enzyme inhibition. Molecular docking studies also showed that some significant phytoconstituentsochnaflavone derivatives, vitexin, and orientin displayed significant binding energies with HMG-CoA reductase active site and especially with GLU559 amino acid residue similar to that of atorvastatin, which is the standard drug. These results indicate that O. squarrosa has bioactive compounds that can lead to the regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis, and could be used as natural alternative or adjunctive in treatment of hyperlipidemia. Additional research, such as in vivo testing and clinical trials, ought to be done to confirm its therapeutic effect and safety