Core approaches in therapeutics: Lipid profile

Abstract

Fenugreek dried seed is known for their valuable antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties in India, Egypt, and some European countries. These seeds are also known to work as antioxidants having reviving properties. Inflammation likely acts to increase cardiovascular disease risk through the dyslipidemic atherogenic triad of elevated triglycerides (TGs), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and an increase in small, cholesterol-poor low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. High plasma lipids interact with free radicals in the 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 19–70 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 baseline 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 C. longa (haldi) mixed in fresh milk without cream, thrice daily for 2 months. Group-II patients were advised to take 100 g of fenugreek leaves mixed with salad in each meal (thrice daily) for the period of 2 months. Group-III patients were advised to take 40 mL of fresh lemon juice mixed with 40 mL mineral water thrice daily for 2 months. They all were advised not to take heavy meal rich with any type of fat such as junk food. One hour daily brisk walk was advised to all participants. 15-day follow-up visit was scheduled for them. After 2 months, their lipid profile was re-determined. When results were compiled and statistically analyzed by applying paired “t” test, it revealed that C. longa decreased total cholesterol (TC), TG, LDL cholesterol 16.10, 20.01, and 17.59 mg/dL, respectively. Fenugreek decreased TC, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 14.70, 17.33, and 17.06 mg/dL, respectively. Lemon in 2-month therapy decreased TC, 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 C. longa, Fenugreek leaves, and lemon are mild to moderately effective hypolipidemic herbs to lower total plasma cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol but have no potential to raise HDL cholesterol when analyzed biostatistically.