ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES FORMATION AND MEDICINAL HERBS

Objective: The aim of the study was to find the hypolipidemic effect of natural herbs such as Curcuma longa, Fenugreek leaves and Lemon on the cholesterol level of the body for prevention against atherosclerotic plaques. Materials & Methods: In this study, we have compared the hypolipidemic effects of Fenugreek, Curcuma longa, and Lemon. The study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore-Pakistan from August to December 2018. Ninety hyperlipidemic patients of age group 19years to 70years were included in the study. Diabetic, alcoholics, hypertensive patients and those with impaired renal or liver functions were excluded from the study. After taking consent from all the participants. their base line lipid profile was taken in the biochemistry laboratory of the hospital. They were divided into 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. GroupII patients were advised to take 100 grams of Fenugreek leaves mixed with salad in each meal (thrice daily) for a 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, 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: It can be 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.