Abstract

Background: Hyperlipidemia is one of the most common causes of atherosclerosis. Secondary hyperlipidemia could be due to obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, etc. It does not cause any symptoms and may go unnoticed for years. Dietary modifications along with medications are the mainstay of treatment in moderate to severe causes of hyperlipidemia. Statins are one of the most widely used drugs for the treatment of this disorder. Myopathy and persistent liver enzyme abnormalities are the most deleterious adverse effects of statins. The use of phytochemicals would minimize the adverse effects encountered with statins. In the present study, we studied and compared the hypolipidemic effect of Curcuma longa Linn. with atorvastatin in obese hyperlipidemic rats. Aims and Objectives: The present study was done to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of turmeric (C. longa Linn.) and to compare it with atorvastatin in albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats weighing 120–150 g were utilized for the present study. The ethanolic extract of C. longa Linn. was administered orally to obese rats for 8 weeks. Serial estimation of lipid profile was done at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively. Lipid profile was assessed using serum cholesterol, serum high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), serum low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and serum triglycerides (TGs) as parameters.
Results: Statistically significant improvement in lipid profile (P < 0.05) was seen after administration of C. longa in obese rats. There was significant reduction in serum cholesterol, serum LDL, and serum TGs. However, serum HDL did not show a significant increase. Conclusion: C. longa Linn. had a hypolipidemic effect.