Pharmacological Research of an Indigenous Polyherbal Formulation : Lipid Lowering Activity Evaluation of a Polyherbal Formulation in Experimentally Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

Despite cholesterol being the most ubiquitous and vital molecule in the body, its high serum levels mirrors the disruption of cholesterol homeostasis, thus causing alterations in serum lipid and lipoprotein profile. Innumerable clinical and epidemiologic studies suggest that the family of lipid and lipoproteins also play a crucial role in initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Mounting global concern towards such deleterious effects of high cholesterol and the potential toxicity of synthetic hypolipidemic drugs demands urgent need to explore safe and effective pharmacological therapies. Furthermore, the NCEP guidelines emphasize that since hypolipidemic therapy is likely to be life-long, patient tolerability is an important issue. Presently herbal medicine is enjoying a remarkable resurrection, reflected in the belief that herbals are safe and less damaging than synthetic drugs leading to a tremendous positive global interest in all herbal remedies. As a wise approach for alternative to synthetic hypolipidemic drugs, this study evaluated an indigenous polyherbal formulation in various experimentally-induced hyperlipidemic rats.