Characterization of the daucosterol–lecithin complex and its impact on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic mice

Abstract

This investigation delves into the daucosterol–lecithin complex (DS–LC) and its effects on lipid homeostasis in hyperlipidemic mice. DS–LC was assessed for complexation efficiency, physicochemical properties (UV, XRD, FTIR, SEM, DSC), and its impact on organ health and serum lipid levels. The results revealed that daucosterol formed an effective complex with lecithin at a 2 : 1 ratio, producing a translucent beige DS–LC with distinctive aggregation. UV-vis spectra confirmed that daucosterol's chromophore structure remained intact in DS–LC, indicating no new compound formation. FTIR analysis identified hydrogen bonding and increased molecular association without changing lecithin peaks, highlighting specific intermolecular interactions. SEM and XRD showed that complexation transformed daucosterol into an irregular form within the lecithin matrix, forming a new phase and demonstrating a strong lecithin–daucosterol interaction. Thermal analysis suggested homogeneous daucosterol distribution due to intermolecular interactions. DS–LC treatment effectively alleviated hyperlipidemia, enhancing liver function and reducing lipid accumulation in epididymal fat. It also significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and arteriosclerosis index in hyperlipidemic mice, indicating DS–LC's potential as a therapeutic agent for lipid metabolism and related metabolic disorders.