Traditional Medicine in Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Since recognition of the plasma lipoprotein as the major risk factor of coronary heart disease, search for effective hypolipidemic agents have been extensively performed. Though the pharmaceutical preparations available today are numerous, the search for more effective therapeutic measures and less toxic are still going on with the emphasis on primary prophylaxis for hypercholesterolemia. In this respect, the indigenous preparations are brought up into consideration.

There are reports on many plant extracts which possess some lipid lowering properties both in serum and in tissue. The studies are merely performed on experimental animals fed with high fat diets. These plants included Aloe barbedensis, Ferula foetida, Emblica officinalis, Leguminous seeds, Onion (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum), plant proteins and fibres. Among those plants, garlic and onion are extensively studied and show convincing results. They seem to possess not only hypolipidemic effect but also protective action against platelet aggregation both in animals and in human subject. The active principle of both garlic and onion is sulfur containing compound, mainly diallyl disulphide and the mechanism of action is claimed to inhibit hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme reductase activity.

Since many environmental factors especially diets, could interfere with the determination of serum lipid level, therefore evaluation of the hypolipidemic effects of indigenous preparations must be carefully performed and long term clinical trials are necessary.