Coronary artery disease develops as a result of risk factors such as increased plasma low- density lipoprotein (LDL) level and
hypertension. In the present study, we extended our investigation to analyze the antiatherogenic effects of licorice- root extract
consumption in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Fifty male rabbits in five separate groups of ten have gone under normal and
high cholesterol (HC) diet for six weeks. One group of ten received HC and another had normal diet. Each of the other three
groups of HC diet were fed with 1gr/kg, 0.1gr/kg and 0.01 gr/kg. Dietary consumption of licorice - root extract by
hypercholesterolemic may act as a moderate hypocholesterolemic nutrient and potent antioxidant agent and, hence against
cardiovascular disease.Electron and light microscopy study of the tissue samples showed the hypercholestrolemic group with
1gr/kg licorice per day had a significant difference with other groups. Licorice root supplementation reduced
atherogeniclessions in the arteries.
