Hypocholesterolaemic Activity in Rats of Different Fractions from Terminalia arjuna

Abstract

The hypocholesterolaemic activity of different fractions from Terminalia arjuna were tested on rats fed an atherogenic diet. In the control group the feeding of cholesterol led to a 97% increase in serum cholesterol levels at the end of three weeks. The alcoholic and aqueous fractions inhibited this rise in serum cholesterol. The faecal excretion of total bile acids in rats fed with these fractions was increased. The possible mechanism of action of the cholesterol-reducing activity of these fractions may be due to the rapid excretion of bile acids.