Curcumin from turmeric is an extremely efficient agent in increasing cholesterol uptake by the liver cells

Abstract

Medicinal plants have a long history of usage and today, they are being extensively used for various diseases. There are several reasons for increasing the use of medicinal plants. Many plants from different parts of the world have been investigated for hypolipidemic effects. Based on strong epidemiological evidence on the relationship between high LDL-C and an increased risk of CVD, treatment and control of elevated LDL-C are as primary goals of CVD prevention in guidelines. In the meantime, both epidemiological and experimental studies confirm the protective effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on the onset of CAD despite LDL-C level, owing to the reverse cholesterol transport process of HDL-C. However, in recent decades, some researchers assert that other newer lipid measurements, including non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo)A-I, apoB, and lipid ratios, are superior to traditional LDL-C in predicting adverse outcomes in general population. Some researchers even suggest that apoB can replace the standard “lipid profile” as a target for motoring and therapy in at-risk patients. High plasma lipids interact with free radicals in human body leading to develop coronary artery disease. We in this study have compared hypolipidemic effects of Fenugreek, Curcuma longa, and Lemon. Study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore-Pakistan from January 2018 to May 2018. Ninety hyperlipidemic patients of age group 19 to 70 were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were diabetic, alcoholic additives, hypertensive patients and those whose kidney or liver functions were impaired. Consent was taken from all participants. Their base line lipid profile was taken in biochemistry laboratory of the hospital. They were divided in three groups i.e. 30 patients in each group. Group-I was advised to take 500 mg of Curcuma longa (haldi) mixed in fresh milk without cream, thrice daily for two months. Group-II patients were advised to take 100 grams of Fenugreek leaves mixed with salad in each meal (thrice daily) for the period of two months. Group-III patients were advised to take 40 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed with 40 ml mineral water thrice daily for two months. They all were advised not to take heavy meal rich with any type of fat like junk food etc. One hour daily brisk walk was advised to all participants. 15 days follow up visit was scheduled for them. After two months their lipid profile was re-determined. When results were compiled and statistically analyzed by applying paired ‘t’ test, it revealed that Curcuma longa decreased total cholesterol, TG, LDL cholesterol 16.10, 20.01, and 17.59 mg/dl respectively. Fenugreek decreased total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 14.70, 17.33, and 17.06 mg/dl respectively. Lemon in two months therapy decreased total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 15.45, 10.13, and 11.97 mg/dl respectively. None of the above-mentioned herbs raised HDL cholesterol significantly. It was concluded from this research work that Curcuma longa, Fenugreek leaves and Lemon are mild to moderately effective hypolipidemic herbs to lower total plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol but have no potential to raise HDL cholesterol when analyzed biostatistically.