The interaction capabilities of phytoconstituents of ethanolic seed extract of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) with HMG‐CoA reductase to subside the hypercholesterolemia: A mechanistic approach

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate hypocholesterolemic potential of phytoconstituents of ethanolic seed extract of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) by assessments of interaction capabilities with 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoA) reductase through in vivo and in silico assessments along with screening of phytoconstituents of the test extract. The phytoconstituents of the test extract were identified by Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)/MS examinations. The hypercholesterolemic rabbit animal model was used for in vivo study and further examined the lipid profile and atherogenic indices. The treatments of the test extract and standard drug (atorvastatin) caused significant reductions in dyslipidemia indices, that is, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Casteli Risk Index‐I (CRI‐I), CRI‐II and atherogenic coefficient (AC). Accordingly, the molecular docking showed significant interactions between the cuminaldehyde and HMG‐CoA reductase compared to the other phytoconstituents. Further, molecular dynamics (MD) validated the interaction capabilities through assessments of N‐Substance, V‐Volume, T‐Temperature (NVT), N‐Substance, P‐Pressure, T‐Temperature (NPT), Root Mean Score Deviation (RSMD), Root Mean Score Fluctuation (RSMF), radius of gyration, system density, and potential energy along with locality assessment of complex interactions evaluated by angle distribution, average angle interaction, free energy of solvation, and solvent accessible surface area (SASA). Subsequently, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) predictions revealed the druggability and bioavailability criteria of the leading identified compounds. On the basis of results obtained, it can be concluded that small phytochemical molecules of test extract of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) have capabilities to inhibit the HMG‐CoA reductase and ameliorate the dyslipidemia indices.

Keywords

• cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)
• GC‐MS
• HMG‐CoA reductase
• molecular docking
• reverse cholesterol transport
• small molecule phytochemicals