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IntroductionThe imbalance in high energy

input and low energy expenditure due tolack of physical exercise is the main causeof obesity1. Daily and seasonal healthregimens and other modalities such asdetailed instructions on a proper balanceddiet and appropriate levels of exercise asper the constitution (prakriti) of theperson have been laid out clearly in theAyurvedic texts2. It is interesting to notethat the world is now again focusing on ahealthy lifestyle as a key to avoid riskfactors like obesity3,4. Obesity alsoincreases risk for CAD (Coronary ArteryDiseases) indirectly through its associationwith insulin resistance, hyperlipidaemiaand hypertension. An increasedaccumulation of fat in the intraabdominal cavity, termed visceraladiposity, is highly correlated with anadverse coronary risk profile5. However,there is a growing awareness regarding the

increasing episodes of CAD. Anoverabundance of LDL (Low densitylipoprotein) cholesterol causesatherosclerosis, a narrowing of coronaryarteries due to plaque build up on arterywalls and blood clots may develop onplaque surfaces, further blocking theblood supply to the myocardium (heartmuscle) and resulting in myocardialinfarction (heart attack). Angina (chestpain) or dyspnea (shortness of breath)may be present. Myocardial infarction canbe a serious result of CAD, occurringwhen a blocked coronary artery causesdeath to a portion of the myocardium.Cardiac arrest may also result from CAD;90% of sudden deaths occur in patientswith two or more major arteries narrowedby atherosclerosis6.

LDL cholesterol levels can bereduced by limiting consumption ofsaturated fats (whole-fat dairy products,cheese and red meats), increasing physical

activity and weight reduction. Increasedconsumption of monounsaturated fats(olive oil, nuts and fish fats) has been shown toreduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL(High density lipoprotein) cholesterol thuslowering CAD risk. Drug therapy forcholesterol reduction includes statins, bileacid resins, nicotinic acid and fibrates.

The quest for finding the new safeand effective drug for dyslipidaemia isgoing to be a continuous process amongstthe scientific fraternity. Herbs have beenused as food and for medicinal purposesfor centuries. Research interest has focusedon various herbs that possesshypolipidaemic, antiplatelet, antitumuor,or immune-stimulating properties thatmay be useful adjuncts in helping reducethe risk of cardiovascular disease andcancer. Apart from the synthetic moderndrugs like clofibrates, statins, there areefforts to find out herbal drugs possessinglipid lowering activities.

A plant-based diet that is rich infruit, vegetables, and legumes and low insaturated fat, along with regular aerobicexercise program, is an effectiveprescription for anyone with elevated riskof cardiovascular disease. In addition,there are a few herbs available that providesome help for persons with eitherhyperlipidaemia, an abnormal tendencyto form blood clots, impaired blood flow,or other cardiovascular problems7.

A review on lipid lowering activities ofAyurvedic and other herbs

Aashish S PhadkeRH-1/B-3, Sector 8, Sagar Vihar Road, Near Alliance Church

Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400 703, Maharashtra, IndiaE-mail: ayurinstitute@yahoo.com; Phone: 098926 98275

Received 5 October 2005; Accepted 20 April 2006

AbstractThere is a great awareness regarding association between CAD (Coronary Artery Diseases)

and mortality, CAD and Obesity, and CAD and Hyperlipidaemia. Thus, there is a need of knowingmore about agents working on hyperlipidaemia. Apart from such agents of synthetic origin, thereis an increasing search for the lipid lowering agents from natural origin. In this paper an attempthas been made to give an overview of certain commonly used Ayurvedic herbs along with someother herbs which have been studied for their lipid lowering activity.

Keywords : Coronary Artery Diseases, CAD, Mortality, Obesity, Lipid lowering drugs, Ayurvedicdrugs, Medicinal Plants.

IPC code; Int. cl.8 — A61K 36/00, A61P 3/06, A61P 9/00

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Some pharmacological andclinical studies reported on Ayurvedic andother herbs are described below:

1. AjamodaTsi et al8 studied the

antihyperlipidaemic property of aqueousextract of celery, Apium graveolansLinn. (Badi Ajmod) in rats. Asignificant reduction was reported bythem in the serum total cholesterol (TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG)concentrations in rats. However, theconcentration of hepatic TG wassignificantly higher in the celery-treatedgroup than in the control group. Hepatictriacylglycerol lipase activity was found tobe significantly lower in the celery-treatedrats while the reverse was observed forthe hepatic microsomal P450 content.Analysis of an ethereal extract of theaqueous extract of celery by TLC with twodifferent solvent systems showed that theextract did not contain 3-n-butylphthalide,a unique compound in celery that haspreviously been reported to have lipid-lowering action. Their study indicates thatother active principle(s) could beresponsible for the observed effects ofaqueous celery extract on serum andhepatic lipid levels8.

2. AdrakaThe lipid lowering and

antioxidant potential of ethanolic extractof adraka or ginger, Zingiberofficinale Rosc. was evaluated instreptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes inrats by Bhandari et al9. Ethanolic extractof ginger (200 mg/kg) fed orallyfor 20 days produced significantantihyperglycaemic effect (P < 0.01) in

diabetic rats. Further, the extract treatmentalso lowered serum total cholesterol,triglycerides and increased the HDL-cholesterol levels when compared withpathogenic diabetic rats (P < 0.01). STZ-treatment also induced a statisticallysignificant increase in liver and pancreaslipid peroxide levels (P < 0.01) ascompared to normal healthy control rats.Ginger extract treatment lowered the liverand pancreas thiobarbituric acid reactivesubstances (TBARS) values (P < 0.01)as compared to pathogenic diabetic rats.The results of test drug were comparableto Gliclazide (25 mg/kg, orally), astandard antihyperglycaemic agent. Theresults indicate that ethanolic extract ofginger can protect the tissues from lipidperoxidation. The extract also exhibitsignificant lipid lowering activity indiabetic rats. This was the first pilot studyto assess the potential of Z. officinalein diabetic dyslipidaemia9.

3. ApamargaThe alcoholic extract of

Achyranthes aspera Linn., at 100 mg/kg dose lowered serum cholesterol (TC),phospholipid (PL), triglyceride (TG)and total lipids (TL) levels by 60, 51,33 and 53%, respectively in tritoninduced hyperlipidaemic rats. The chronicadministration of this drug at the samedoses to normal rats for 30 days, loweredserum TC, PL, TG and TL by 56, 62,68 and 67%, respectively followed bysignificant reduction in the levels ofhepatic lipids. The faecal excretion ofcholic acid and deoxycholic acidincreased by 24 and 40%, respectively. Thepossible mechanism of action ofcholesterol lowering activity of A. asperamay be due to rapid excretion of

bile acids causing low absorption ofcholesterol10.

4. ArjunaTo evaluate the antioxidant and

hypocholesterolaemic effects ofTerminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight &Arn. tree bark (a popular cardiotonicsubstance in Indian pharmacopoeia) andto compare it with a known antioxidant,vitamin E, researchers performed arandomized controlled trial with onehundred and five successive patients withcoronary heart disease (CHD) presentingto their centre were recruited and using aLatin-square design divided into 3 groupsof 35 each. The groups were matched forage, lifestyle and dietary variables, clinicaldiagnosis and drug treatment status. Noneof the patients was on lipid-loweringdrugs. Supplemental vitamins werestopped for one month before study beganand American Heart Association Step IIdietary advice was given to all. At baseline,total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- and

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LDL-cholesterol and lipid peroxideestimated as TBARS were determined.Group I received placebo capsules; GroupII vitamin E capsules, 400 units/day; andGroup III received finely pulverizedT. arjuna tree bark-powder (500 mg)in capsules daily. Lipids and lipid peroxidelevels were determined at 30 days follow-up. Response rate in various groups variedfrom 86 to 91%. No significant changesin total, HDL, LDL-cholesterol andtriglycerides levels were seen in Groups Iand II (paired t-test P > 0.05). In GroupIII there was a significant decrease in totalcholesterol (–9.7 +/– 12.7%), and LDL-cholesterol (–15.8 +/– 25.6%) (pairedt-test P < 0.01). Lipid peroxide levelsdecreased significantly in both thetreatment groups (P < 0.01). Thisdecrease was more in vitamin E group(–36.4 +/–17.7%) as compared to theT. arjuna group (–29.3 +/–18.9%).Thus, one may conclude that, T. arjunatree bark powder has significantantioxidant action that is comparable tovitamin E. In addition, it also has asignificant hypocholesterolaemic effect11.

5. BhumiamalkiThe lipid lowering activity (LLA)

of Phyllanthus niruri Hook. f. hasbeen studied by Khanna and others intriton and cholesterol fed hyperlipemicrats. Serum lipids were lowered byP. niruri extract orally fed (250 mg/kgb.w.) to the triton WR-1339 inducedhyperlipemic rats. Chronic feeding of thisdrug (100 mg/kg b.w.) in animalssimultaneously fed with cholesterol(25 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days causedlowering in the lipids and apoproteinlevels of VLDL and LDL in experimentalanimals. The LLA of this drug is mediated

through inhibition of hepaticcholesterol biosynthesis, increased faecalbile acids excretion and enhanced plasmalecithin: cholesterol acyltransferaseactivity12.

6. BananaThe pulp of banana fruit (Musa

sapientum Linn. var. cavendishiiLamb.) was examined by Horigome andothers for its cholesterol-lowering effectwith male rats fed on a diet containinglard (50 g/kg) and cholesterol (5 g/kg).Freeze-dried banana pulp showed amarked cholesterol-lowering effect whenincorporated into a diet at the level of300 or 500 g/kg, while the banana pulpdried in a hot-air current (65°C) did not.Starch and tannin prepared from bananapulp were not responsible for thecholesterol-lowering effect. The resultsalso suggest that banana lipids did notaffect the concentration of serumcholesterol. Feeding of dopamine,n-epinephrine and serotonin tended toraise the concentration of serumcholesterol. Thus, all the substances testedwhich were thought to be susceptible toinfluence by hot-air drying were unlikelyto be responsible for thehypocholesterolaemic effect. However,both soluble and insoluble fibresfractionated from banana pulp had acholesterol-lowering effect, with theexception of cellulose. It was assumed thata browning reaction undergoneduring hot-air drying might berelated to the disappearance of thehypocholesterolaemic effect of bananapulp dried in a hot-air current. The resultsobtained support the conclusion thatsoluble and insoluble components ofdietary fibre participate in the

hypocholesterolaemic effect of bananapulp13.

7. Coconut oilA study was conducted by Nevin

and Rajmohan14 to investigate the effectof consumption of virgin coconut oil(VCO) on various lipid parameters incomparison with copra oil (CO). Inaddition, the preventive effect ofpolyphenol fraction (PF) from test oilson copper induced oxidation of LDL andcarbonyl formation was also studied. After45 days of oil feeding to Sprague-Dawleyrats, several lipid parameters andlipoprotein levels were determined. PF wasisolated from the oils and its effect onin vitro LDL oxidation was assessed. Thus,it was found that VCO obtained by wetprocess has a beneficial effect in loweringlipid components compared to CO. Itreduced total cholesterol, triglycerides,phospholipids, LDL and VLDL cholesterollevels and increased HDL cholesterol inserum and tissues. The PF of virgin coconutoil was also found to be capable ofpreventing in vitro LDL oxidation withreduced carbonyl formation. The resultsdemonstrated the potential beneficiaryeffect of virgin coconut oil in loweringlipid levels in serum and tissues and LDLoxidation by physiological oxidants. Thisproperty of VCO may be attributed to thebiologically active polyphenolcomponents present in the oil14.

8. FlaxseedFlour derived from flaxseed or

linseed (Linum usitatissimum Linn.)is popular for use in bread and bakeryproducts; it provides a nutty flavour andalso increases the nutritional and healthbenefits of the final product. Flaxseed

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consumption may lower both total- andLDL-cholesterol concentrations because ofits low-saturated fat content, highpolyunsaturated fat and phytosterolcontent, and mucilage content15, 16. When15 patients with elevated blood cholesterolconcentrations [> 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL)] consumed 15 g ground flaxseed and3 slices of flaxseed-containing bread dailyfor 3 months, their total- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations decreased by10% and platelet aggregation decreasedsubstantially, while their HDL-cholesteroland triacylglycerol concentrations did notchange significantly17.

9. GinkoIt has been found in one of the

animal studies that Maidenhair tree,Ginko biloba Linn. extract (EGB761)inhibits beta amyloid production bylowering the free cholesterol18.

10. GarlicVarious studies conducted on garlic are:

a) Effect of short-term usage ofgarlic extract

Garlic (Allium sativumLinn.) is one of the most commonly usedherbal remedies and is considered to havehypocholesterolaemic as well as othercardioprotective properties. Its effect on

psychopathologic parameters has neverbeen reported. Peleg and others conductedstudies to evaluate the effect of garlic onlipid parameters and depression,impulsivity, hostility and temperament inpatients with primary type2 hyperlipidaemia. In a 16 weeksprospective double-blind placebo-controlled study, 33 patients with primaryhypercholesterolaemia and no evidence ofcardiovascular disease were randomlyassigned to receive either garlic or placebo.Garlic in the form of alliin 22.4 mg/daywas given to 13 patients and placebo to20 patients. Both groups receivedindividual dietary counseling. The changesin lipid profile and the variouspsychopathologic parameters weredetermined at the beginning and end ofthe trial. The differences in lipidparameters were evaluated by Student’s t-test. The psychological data were analyzedby one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)with repeated measures and Neuman-Keulstest. The result concluded that nosignificant changes were observed in levelsof total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol,HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, or inthe psychopathologic parametersevaluated. So, it can be concluded thatshort-term garlic therapy in adults withmild to moderate hypercholesterolaemiadoes not affect either lipid levels or variouspsychopathologic parameters19.

b) Effect of long-term dietarysupplementation of fresh garlic

Epidemiologic studies havesuggested that fresh garlic has lipid-lowering activity. Long-term dietarysupplementation of fresh garlic may exerta lipid-lowering effect partly throughreducing intestinal MTP gene expression,

thus suppressing the assembly andsecretion of chylomicrons from intestineto the blood circulation20.

c) Hypocholesterolaemic effect ofenteric-coated garlicsupplement

A double-blind randomized,placebo-controlled intervention study wasconducted in 46 hypercholesterolaemicsubjects who had failed or were notcompliant with drug therapy. Each subjectwas given dietary counseling to lower fatintake and enteric-coated Australian garlicpowder tablets with 9.6 mg allicin-releasing potential or matching placebotablets. The study demonstrates thatenteric-coated garlic powder supplementswith 9.6 mg allicin-releasing potential mayhave value in mild to moderatehypercholesterolaemic patients whencombined with a low fat diet. Taken withother evidence, the efficacy of garlic forlipoprotein metabolism might requireallicin bioavailability to be enhancedthrough the use of, for example, anenteric-coated dose form. If this is thecase, the possibility remains that greaterhypocholesterolaemic efficacy may beevident at a higher allicin dose. Alsonoteworthy in this study was a smallreduction in energy intake withgarlic compared with placebo,attributable to reduction in fat,carbohydrate and alcohol intakes. Thismay also have contributed to the effectson blood lipids. This study suggests thatgarlic supplementation has a cholesterol-lowering effect, which may be mediatedby direct action of a biologically activecompound or compounds and in partthrough the effect on food and nutrientintake21.

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d) Suppression of LDLoxidation by garlic

Short-term supplementation ofgarlic in human subjects has demonstratedan increased resistance of LDL tooxidation. These data suggest thatsuppressed LDL oxidation may be one ofthe powerful mechanisms accounting forthe antiatherosclerotic properties of garlic22.

e) Pleiotropic effect of GarlicGarlic as a herbal remedy reduces

a multitude of risk factors which play adecisive role in the genesis and progressionof arteriosclerosis: decrease in total andLDL-cholesterol, increase in HDL-cholesterol, reduction of serumtriglyceride and fibrinogen concentration,lowering of arterial blood pressure andpromotion of organ perfusion, and, finally,enhancement in fibrinolysis, inhibition ofplatelet aggregation, and diminution ofplasma viscosity. In a prospective, 4-yearclinical trial with primary endpoint‘arteriosclerotic plaque volume’ it wasproven not only a 9 to 18% reduction and3% regression in plaque volume of thetotal collective under the influence ofstandardized garlic powder dragees (900mg/diet LI 111), but also of some facetsof the phytopharmacologic pleiotropy ofthis herb: decrease in LDL level by 4%,increase in HDL concentration by 8%, andlowering in blood pressure by 7%. Thereduction of arterial blood pressure is dueto an additional opening of K (Ca) ionchannels in the membrane of vascularsmooth muscle cells that effects itshyperpolarization. This membranehyperpolarization closes about 20% of theL-type Ca

2+ channels, consequence of

which is vasodilatation. In humancoronary arteries, the increase in vascular

diameter by 4% is closely associated withan improvement of coronary perfusion by18%. These pleiotropic effects of garlicresult in a reduction of relativecardiovascular risk for infarction andstroke by more than 50% 23.

11. Guggula). The effects of the administration of 50

mg of guggulipid of Commiphoramukul (Hook. ex Stocks) Engl. orplacebo capsules twice daily for 24weeks were compared by Singh andothers as adjuncts to a fruit- andvegetable-enriched prudent diet in themanagement of 61 patients withhypercholesterolaemia (31 in theguggulipid group and 30 in the placebogroup) in a randomized, double-blindfashion. Guggulipid decreased thetotal cholesterol level by 11.7%, theLDL-cholesterol by 12.5%, triglyceridesby 12.0%, and the total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio by 11.1% fromthe post diet levels, whereas the levelswere unchanged in the placebo group.The HDL-cholesterol level showed nochanges in the two groups. The lipidperoxides, indicating oxidative stress,declined 33.3% in the guggulipidgroup without any decrease in theplacebo group. The compliance ofpatients was greater than 96%. Thecombined effect of diet and guggulipidat 36 weeks was as great as the

reported lipid-lowering effect ofmodern drugs. After a washout periodof another 12 weeks, changes in bloodlipoproteins were reversed in theguggulipid group without such changesin the placebo group. Side effects ofguggulipid were headache, mildnausea, eructation, and hiccup in a fewpatients24.

b). Multicentric clinical trials of theefficacy of guggulipid conducted atBombay, Bangalore, Delhi, Jaipur,Lucknow, Nagpur and Varanasi havebeen reported by Nityanand and others.Two hundred and five patientscompleted 12 weeks open trial withguggulipid in a dose of 500 mg tdsafter 8 weeks diet and placebo therapy.One patient showed gastrointestinalsymptoms which did not necessitatewithdrawal of the drug. A significantlowering of serum cholesterol (av.23.6%) and serum triglycerides (av.22.6%) was observed in 70-80%patients. Double-blind, crossover studywas completed in 125 patients withguggulipid therapy and in 108 patientswith Clofibrate therapy. Two patientshad flu-like syndrome with Clofibrateand opted out from the study. Withguggulipid the average fall in serumcholesterol and triglycerides was 11and 16.8%, respectively and withClofibrate 10 and 21.6%, respectively.The lipid lowering effect of bothdrugs became evident 3-4 weeks afterstarting the drug and had norelationship with age, sex, andconcomitant drug intake.Hypercholesterolaemic patientsresponded better to guggulipid therapythan hypertriglyceridaemic patientswho responded better to Clofibrate

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therapy. In mixed hyperlipidaemicpatients response to both drugs wascomparable. HDL-cholesterol wasincreased in 60% cases who respondedto guggulipid therapy. Clofibrate hadno effect on HDL-cholesterol. Asignificant decrease in LDL-cholesterolwas observed in the responder groupto both drugs25.

12. Haridra and JatamansiIt has been reported that fifty per

cent ethanolic extract of Haridra/Turmeric, Curcuma longa Linn.(rhizome) and Jatamansi,Nardostachys jatamansi DC. (wholeplant) feeding elevates HDL-cholesterol/

total cholesterol ratio. The extracts alsocaused a significant reduction in the ratioof total cholesterol/phospholipids.Turmeric exhibited better cholesterol andtriglyceride lowering activity [Ch = –85%;Tg = –88%] as compared to Jatamansiin triton-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. Inview of the protective action of HDLagainst heart disease and atherogenecity,haridra consumption is recommended26.

13. KarelaEffects of three different Japanese

cultivars (‘Koimidori’, ‘Powerful-Reishi’

and ‘Hyakunari’) of bitter melon(Momordica charantia Linn.) andthose of methanol fraction extract of cv.‘Koimidori’ on serum and livertriglycerides were studied in rats bySenanayake and others. Feeding of dietscontaining either bitter melon or variousfractions isolated by organic solventscaused no adverse effects on food intakeor growth of rats. When the effect of threedifferent varieties of bitter melon wascompared, the cv. ‘Koimidori’ was foundto be the most effective in loweringhepatic triglyceride levels as compared tothe other two cultivars, suggesting avariety-dependent difference in theiractivity. Furthermore, the activecomponent(s) responsible for the livertriglyceride lowering activity of cv.‘Koimidori’ was assumed to beconcentrated in the methanol fraction, butnot in other fractions such as the n-hexane, the acetone or the residualfraction. The triglyceride lowering activitywas furthermore confirmed by the dose-dependent reduction of hepatictriglyceride, the lowest level in rats fed3.0% supplementation was observed. Inthese experiments, the effects on serumlipids were marginal. The results of theses t u d i e sc l e a r l yshow thatb i t t e rm e l o n ,especial lyc v .‘Koimidori’,exhibits apotent livertriglyceride-l o w e r i n gactivity27.

14. LemongrassIt was reported that

hypercholesterolaemic subjects whoconsumed 140 mg/day of lemongrass(Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) oil(rich in geraniol and citral) experienceda drop in cholesterol concentrations over3 months28.

15. MeshashringiIn one of the interesting studies

on Meshashringi , Pterocarpusmarsupium Roxb. (Indian Kino Tree),it has been observed that serum lipidlevels in rats with hyperlipidaemia inducedby diet as well as by Triton weredetermined after oral administration ofethyl acetate extract of heartwood and itsflavonoid constituents, marsupsin,pterosupin and liquiritigenin.Administration of ethyl acetate extract for14 consecutive days produced a significantreduction of serum triglyceride, totalcholesterol, and LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol levels without any significanteffect on the level of HDL-cholesterol.Liquiritigenin and pterosupin were ableto produce a significant fall in serumcholesterol, LDL-cholesterol andatherogenic index; pterosupin beingadditionally effective in lowering serumtriglyceride29.

16. KalonjiPetroleum ether extract of

Kalonji, Nigella sativa Linn. (Blackcumin) has a slight anorexic effect, andthat it contains the hypolipidaemic activitypreviously obtained with the plant. Moresignificantly, the data demonstrated thatin vivo treatment with the petroleumether extract exerts an insulin-sensitizingaction by enhancing the activity of the two

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major intracellular signal transductionpathways of the hormone’s receptor30.

17. Kala IsabgolSome hypercholesterolaemic

patients have benefited from the use ofBlack psyllium (Plantago psylliumLinn.), a rich source of soluble fibre(10-12% mucilage)15. When 5g psylliumwas given twice a day for 4 months tosubjects with blood cholesterolconcentrations >5.7 mmol/L (220 mg/dL), their total- and LDL-cholesterolconcentrations dropped to an average of0.26-0.39 and 0.28-0.34 mmol/L,respectively (10-15 and 11-13 mg/dL,respectively)31. These changes tended to begreater in subjects consuming high-fatdiets.

18. SoyabeanConvincing evidence shows that

soyabean (Glycine max Merrill)protein intake has beneficial effects onlipid changes, but it is unclear whichcomponents of soy protein areresponsible. Researchers have conducteda meta-analysis to identify andquantify the effects of soy proteincontaining isoflavones on the lipidprofile. Soy protein with isoflavonesintact was associated with significantdecreases in serum total cholesterol(by 0.22 mmol/L, or 3.77%), LDL-cholesterol (by 0.21 mmol/L, or 5.25%),and triacylglycerol (by 0.10 mmol/L, or7.27%) and significant increases in serumHDL-cholesterol (by 0.04 mmol/L, or3.03%). The reductions in total and LDL-cholesterol were larger in men than inwomen. Initial total cholesterolconcentrations had a powerful effect onchanges in total and HDL-cholesterol,

especially in subjects withhypercholesterolaemia. Studies withintakes >80 mg showed better effects onthe lipid profile. The strongest loweringeffects of soy protein containingisoflavones on total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol occurredwithin the short initial period ofintervention, whereas improvements inHDL-cholesterol were only observed instudies of >12 week duration. Tabletscontaining extracted soy isoflavonesdid not have a significant effect ontotal cholesterol reduction. Thus, soyprotein containing isoflavones significantlyreduce serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol andincreased HDL-cholesterol, but thechanges are related to the level andduration of intake and the sex and initialserum lipid concentrations of thesubjects32.

19. TulsiAdministration of fresh

leaves of Tulsi, Ocimum sanctumLinn. mixed as 1g and 2g in 100g of dietgiven for four weeks, brought aboutsignificant changes in the lipid profile ofnormal albino rabbits. This resulted insignificant lowering in serum totalcholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids,LDL-cholesterol levels, increase in theHDL-cholesterol and total faecal sterolcontents33.

20. VidangEmbelia ribes Burm. f.,

commonly known as Vidanga, is usedin Ayurveda for its anthelmintic activity.Ayurveda describes Vidanga as pungent,causes increase in digestive fire, and curesflatulence and colic. Antihyperglycaemicactivity of decoction of E. ribes inglucose-induced hyperglycemic albinorabbits has also been reported in a study.The lipid-lowering and antioxidantpotential of ethanolic extract of E. ribeswas investigated in streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, IV, single injection)-induced diabetesin rats by Bhandari and others. Twenty daysof orally feeding the extract (200 mg/kg)to diabetic rats resulted in significant (P< 0.01) decrease in blood glucose, serumtotal cholesterol and triglycerides, andincrease in HDL-cholesterol levels whencompared to pathogenic diabetic rats.Further, the extract also lowered the liverand pancreas TBARSs values (P < 0.01)when compared to TBARS values of liverand pancreas of pathogenic diabetic rats.The results of test drug were comparableto Gliclazide (25 mg/kg, orally), astandard antihyperglycaemic agent. Thestudy provides biochemical evidence ofpotential of E. ribes in diabeticdyslipidaemia34.

21. Vrikshamla - KokamFlavonoids from Cocos

nucifera Linn., Myristica fragranceHoutt., Saraca asoca (Roxb.) DeWilde and Garcinia cambogia Desr.exerted hypolipidaemic activity in rats.Lipid lowering activity was reportedmaximum in rats administered flavonoids(10 mg/kg b.w./day) from Garciniacambogia. A dose response studyrevealed biphasic activity. Higher doses

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were less effective in reducing lipid levelsin serum and tissues, although devoid oftoxic effects35.

ConclusionIn Ayurveda, lipids can be

equated with Medodhatu. Therefore,any drugs that will be working againstMedodhatu or Kapha dosha might actas lipid lowering agents. Also, there is adescription of group of drugs such asMedoghna (the one which decreases theMedodhatu), Lekhana (the one whichhelps in reducing the body mass),Kaphaghna gana (the one which actsagainst Kapha dosha), which mightdemonstrate the antilipidemic activity. Thecommonest amongst them will be thecontents of Triphala i. e. threemyrobalans, viz. Amalki (Emblica

officinalis Gaertn. syn. Phyllanthusemblica Linn.), Haritaki (Terminaliachebula Retz.) and Bibhitaki(Terminalia bellerica Roxb.), andTrimada i.e. Vidang (Embeliaribes), Musta (Cyperus rotundusLinn.), Chitrak (Plumbagozeylanica Linn.) and many moreherbs given in a dosage form of Guggulupills with a base of Guggul36. Thus, weneed to focus on our rich heritage ofAyurvedic Medicine and should adoptthe newly accepted Golden triangleapproach (a research collaboration ofTraditional Medicine of India i.e.Ayurveda with Modern Medical Scienceand Modern Basic Sciences), so thatwe can come out with more concretesolution on this front of lipid loweringdrugs.

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4. Vaidya AB, Vaidya RA, Joshi BA and Nabar N,Obesity (Medoroga) in Ayurveda, Scientificbasis for Ayurvedic Therapy, RC press, 1st Edn,2004, pp.150.

5. Brochu M, Poehlman ET and Ades PA,Obesity, body fat distribution, and coronaryartery disease, J Cardiopulm Rehabil,2000, 20(2), 96-108.

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7. Craig WJ, Health-promoting properties ofcommon herbs, Am J Clin Nutr, 1999,70(3), 491S-499S.

8. Tsi D, Das NP and Tan BK, Effects of aqueouscelery (Apium graveolens) extract on lipidparameters of rats fed a high fat diet, PlantaMed, 1995, 61(1), 18-21.

9. Bhandari U, Kanojia R and Pillai KK, Effect ofethanolic extract of Zingiber officinaleon dyslipidaemia in diabetic rats,J Ethnopharmacol, 2005, 97(2),227-30.

10. Khanna AK, Chander R, Singh C, Srivastava AKand Kapoor NK, Hypolipidemic activity ofAchyranthus aspera Linn. in normal andtriton induced hyperlipemic rats, Indian JExp Biol, 1992, 30(2), 128-130.

11. Gupta R, Singhal Shalini, Goyle Anuradhaand Sharma VN, Antioxidant andhypocholesterolaemic effects of Terminaliaarjuna tree-bark powder: a randomisedplacebo-controlled trial, J Assoc PhysiciansIndia, 2001, 49, 231-235.

12. Khanna AK, Rizvi F and Chander R, Lipidlowering activity of Phyllanthus niruri inhyperlipemic rats, J Ethnopharmacol,2002, 82(1), 19-22.

13. Horigome T, Sakaguchi E and KishimotoC, Hypocholesterolaemic effect ofbanana (Musa sapientum L. var.Cavendishii) pulp in the rat fed on acholesterol-containing diet, Br J Nutr, 1992,68(1), 231-244.

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