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STUDIES ON THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF THE FORMULATRX-
1. STUDIES ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTTVITY
Introduction
Recent investigations in the field of free radicals have emphasized
their role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Reactive oxygen species
(ROS) have been demonstrated to be involved in the triggering of several diseases,
and compounds tliat can scavenge free radicals have great potential in
ameliorating these disease process."'
Lipids undergo peroxidative changes in the arterial wall, which
eventually produce endothelial injury. Modification introduced in LDL by free
radical mediated processes enhances foam cell production and these events are
known to be the early events in atherosclerosis.
Epidemiological studies based on dietary information indicated a
negative correlation between the presence of antioxidants in the plasma and the
incidence of coronary artery disease.242 Endogenous defence mechanism have
been identified which use antioxidants or free radical scavengers to neutralize
reactive oxygen species generated lipid peroxidation; however the extensive
generation of free radicals appears to overwhelm, the natural defence
mechanisms, dramatically reducing the level of endogenous antioxidants.243
Mort: recent studies suggest that the inflammatory tissue damage is
due to the liberation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the phagocytes
invading the inflammation sites.'"-' Several anti-inflammatory drugs have been
shown to inhibit production of free radicals by neutrophils, which migrate to
inflammatory sites causing tissue injury.245
A number of natural products such as ellagic acid, curcumin and
vitamins (A, C: and E) have gained wide momentum as they are shown to possess
antioxidant potential. Most of the plant polyphenols and flavonoids are good
antioxidants. In this study we have analysed the in vitro free radical scavenging
activity of the formulation, 'Caps HT2'.
Materials and methods
Animals Male Wistar albino rats (200-250 gm) were used for the study. The
animals were maintained in well-ventilated cages and fed with standard pellet
diet and water adlibiturn.
Antioxidant activity
Superoxide radical scavenging activity
Superoxide radical scavenging activity was determined by the NBT
reduction method 213 as described in the Materials and methods (2: 7a).
Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity
Measured by studying the competition between deoxyribose and the
extract for hydroxvl radicals generated from the Fe3+/ascorbate/EDTA/H202
system. Deoxyribose degradation was measured as TBARS (2: To).
Inhibition of lipid peroxidation
Ferrous ascorbate system induces thiobarbituric acid reactive
substances (TBARS) formation in liver homogenate in vitro, which is a measure of
lipid peroxidation (2: 7c).
Results
The data shown in Table 3: 1 explains the antioxidant potential of the
herbal formulation, 'Caps HT2'. The formulation was found to scavenge the
superoxide generated by photoreduction of riboflavin. The concentration needed
for 50% scavenging of superoxide was 55.00 pg/ml for the formulation and
6.32 pg/ml for the standard curcumin.
Degradation of deoxyribose mediated by hydroxyl radicals
generated by the Fe:'+/ascorbate/EDTA/H202 system was also found inhibited by
the formulation. The concentration needed for 50% inhibition was 610.00 pg/ml
and 8.93 pg/ml for the formulation and curcumin respectively.
The generation of lipid peroxides by Fe2+/Ascorbate in rat liver
homogenate was found inhibited by the addition of the formulation extract. The
concentration needed for 50% inhibition was 48.5 pg/ml whereas curcumin
needed was 2.7pg/ml.
The present study revealed the antioxidant activity of the
formulation, 'Caps HT2'. The initiating free radicals 02-, Hz02 and OH- were well
scavenged by the herbal formulation in vitro, which is comparable to that of the
known antioxidant curcumin.
Table 3: 1 - Effect of the formulation 011 free radical generation
The values are average of triplicate tubes.
-
ICso value (pg/ml)
Superoxide Hydroxyl radical
Formulation 55.00 610. 00
Curcumin 6.32 I 2.71 !
Lipid peroxide
48.50
8.93
Discussion
Although several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the
pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, most attention has focussed on a role for
reactive oxygen metabolites. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species and
antioxidants in the development of atherosclerosis has prompted the investigation
of antioxidant supplementation as possible therapy. Potential antioxidant therapy
should therefore include natural antioxidant enzymes or agents, which are capable
of scavenging free radicals.
Antioxidant agents of natural origin have attracted special interest
because they can protect human body from free radical mediated injury with no
side effects. Numerous medicinal plants and their formulations are used for
cardiovascular disorders in ethnomedical practices as well as on traditional system
of medicine in India. Thl? plant polyphenols and flavonoids have long been
recognised to possess antiinflammatory, antithrombotic, antioxidant and
anticarcinogenic activities.
The present study revealed the significant antioxidant activity of the
formulation 'Caps HT2'. Among the selected plants, Commiphora muku1,94 Allium
sativum,'37, li9-141 Semecarpus anacardium228 Hemidesmus i nd i~us?~~ Terminalia
aquna, 247 Tinospora cor~/ifolia,~62 Withania somnifera "-23, 178 and Ocimum
sanctum 24, '48-249 were already reported as antioxidant agents.
2. STUDIES ON ANTIPLATELET AGGREGATION ACTIVITY
Introduction
Platelets 'Ire important in the recognition of vascular injury,
formation of effectivc homeostatic plugs, retraction of clots and wound healing. 250
Platelets are also the tuajor constituents of thrombus and a source of powerful
vasoconstrictors that can cause vasospasm and enhance coagulation by
diminished blood flow.251 It is generally recognised that platelet aggregation is
abnormally increased in CAI) patients. 252
1ntravascular tluombosis is known to be the final catastrophic event
in atherosclerosis. It occur:; immediately after the rupture of the atheromatous
plaque. Various experimental and clinical evidences have established the role of
platelets as the central participant in the final thrombotic event. 253
The platelet aggregation inhibition therapy has gained much
acceptance in atherosclerosis as it limit the arterial thrombosis. In this study we
have examined the platelet aggregation inhibition efficacy of the herbal
formulation, 'Caps HT2'.
Methods
Platelet aggregation inhibition activity
Aggregation of platelet rich plasma with ADP as agonist was studied
and the effect of different concentrations of the formulation was assessed as
described in the chapter Materials and Methods (2: 9).
Results
Addition of ADP to a suspension of washed human platelets caused
a marked decrease in optical density at 600 nun indicating the aggregation of
platelets. The herbal formulation (50-150 pg/ml) interestingly inhibited platelet
aggregation in a concentration dependent manner (Fig3: 1).
Discussion
Platelets play an important role in the process of atherothrombosis
by adhering to the damaged regions of the endothelial surface. The activated
platelets form platelet-to-platelet bonds, binds also to leucocytes bringing them
into a complex process of plaque formation and growth.254
The antiplatelet therapy constitutes the best available tool for
ameliorating the rnechanis~ns related to atherogene~isl4~ and this herbal
formulation interestingly inhibited platelet aggregation. It has been revealed that
platelet aggregation il~duced by ADP, epinephrine, collagen, thrombin or platelet
activating factor could be inhibited by pre-treatment with onion as well as
garlic juice.'"'", '4% 255 The effect of gum guggulu on platelet adhesiveness was
already studied.""
Fig. 3: 1 - Effect of the formulation on ADP induced platelet aggregation inhibition
A - Control, B - Funnulation (5Opg/ml), C - Formulation (100pg/ml), D - Formulation (150pg/mI), E - Heparin (20pg/ml) and F - ADP (lOpM/d)
3. STUDIES ON ANTICOAGULANT ACTIVITY
Introduction
The obvious link between the coagulation system and atherosclerosis
has long been accepted in terms of thrombosis of a coronary artery, with the
resulting myocardial infarction.25h Reduced fibrinolytic activity and raised
prothrombotic activity are associated with hyperlipidaemia and are modified by
interventio~i.~~' Clinical artd pathological studies have shown that disruption or
erosion of atherosclerotic plaque is the major cause of coronary thrombosis.
Atherosclerosis and thrombosis are associated with many common
pathological features, such as deposition and aggregation of platelets;
monocyte/macrophage infiltration and dysfunctional endothelium and these
conditions are associated with increased oxidative stress. The coincidental
expression of various causative factors predominantly initiates blood coagulation
and clotting, leading to the thrombotic events. It is possible that inhibition of
platelet aggregation and thrombosis has a major role in decreasing cardiac events
in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease^.^" Presently, we evaluated
the anticoagulant activity of t.he herbal formulation 'Caps HT2'.
Materials and methods
Animals The male New Zealand White rabbits (1.5 - 2kg) selected for the
study were caged in uniform hygienic conditions and fed with normal diet and
water ad Jibit~~m.
Anticoagulant activity by plasma recalcification method
The plasma recalcification time was assessed in rabbit plasma by the
intravenous administration of the formulation as described in the chapter
Materials and Methods (2: 8)'.
Results
Effect on plasma recalcification time
Normal plasma recalcification time noticed was 58 * 2 Sec in rabbits.
Administration of heparin delayed the time to 145 lt: 4 Sec (Table 3: 2), whereas the
herbal formulation delayed it to 139 t 5 Sec. Compared to heparin this drug is
more or less equally effective.
Discussion
Thrombosis is the main complication of atherosclerosis and there is
considerable evidence that the platelets of patients with atherothrombotic disease
are in an increased state of activation compared with those in healthy
individuals.25-I Even though it was not sure whether the clotting factors are casual
in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis, the various coagulation
factors associated with platelet aggregation and adhesion were seen elevated in
Table 3: 2 - Anticoagulant activity of the formulation
Sample Plasma recalcification time (in seconds)
Normal rabbit blood
Heparin (lmg/kg)
Formulation Pmg/ kg)
'The values are mean i SD of 6 animals/group
the case of atherosclerosis.
I11 this study we demonstrate that the formulation, 'Caps HT2' is
significantly potent in inhibiting thrombogenesis by enhancing the plasma
coagulation time. The clinical implication of this study was the effective use of
supplementations of the formulation to patients with vascular thrombotic
diseases.
It is reasonable to assume that an imbalance in the haemostatic
system secondary to increased clotting activity and impaired fibrinolytic functions
are of great importance in the development of thrombosis. The high TG and
VLDL have been shown to be associated with coagulation of proteins;
prothrombin and other factors explain the hypercoagulability noticed in
hypertriglycericiaen~i,~.
4. STUDIES ON LIPOPROTEIN LIPASE ENZYME ACTIVITY
Introduction
The> I~y~wrtr~glyceridacmia is an important risk factor in the
development of atherosclerosis and recent works on the development of
hypertriglycer~ciaen~la has focussed on the defects in the mechanism of their
removal of plasma VLDL and chvlon~icrons. Lipoprotein lipase is the rate-
limiting enzyme for the clearance of chylomicrons and VLDL from the plasma.
The enzyme is loc'ited in the arterial bed of many tissues but is probably
synthesized and released by parenchymal cells such as adipocytes and monocytes
for attachment to capillary endothellurn. Endothelial surface is thought to be the
principal site of action of enzyme.
A decrease in the activity of the lipoprotein lipase enzyme could
result in the accumulation of VLDL and chylomicrons in the circulation. The
lipoprotein lipase gene mlutations are associated with marked dyslipidaemia
leading to premature atherosclero~is.~~~ In view of this, agents that can enhance
the LPL activity are conside1:ed as hypolipidaemic and antiatherogenic.
The lipid lowering therapy has gained much acceptance in
atherosclerosis as it limits arterial thrombosis. Here we have examined the
efficacy of the herbal formulation, 'Caps HT2' in the treatment of cardiovascular
diseases by screening the lipoprotein lipase enzyme releasing activity.
Materials and methods
Animals
The New Zealand White rabbits (male) used for the study were caged
in uniform hygienic conditiorui and fed with normal diet and water adlibifurn.
Lipoprotein lipase enzyme releasing activity.
The Lipoprotein lipase enzyme releasing activity of the formulation
was determined by the method of Edward D. Korn (1959) "9 with the intravenous
administration of the drug (5 mg/kg body wt.) for a period of 15 min as described
in the Materials ancl Methods (2: 10).
Results
The drug treated animals for a period of 15 rnin showed increased
production of glycerol as an index of greater release and activity of enzyme from
the arterial intima l'he glycerol liberated in the drug treated animals was found
10.88 mg% whereas in the normal animals it was only 3.6% (Table 3: 3).
Discussion
Lipoprotein 1ipar;e has been reported in the post heparin plasma of
rabbits and has a major role in the transport and metabolism of triglycerides of
exogenous origin."" I t is the key enzyme, which regulates the disposal of lipid
fuels in the body .">" Consideri~ng the role of LPL in the metabolism of VLDL and
chylomicrons it could be assumed that the agent that enhance the liberation of
enzyme into the blooil can play a major role in hypertriglyceridaemia. The
glycerol liberated by the action of lipoprotein lipase enzyme in the treated animals
Table 3: 3 - Lipoprotein lipase releasing activity of the formulation in rabbits
- - - - -- --
Groups
Normal
Heparin
(lmg/ kg)
Glycerol liberated (mgl dl/ hr)
'I'lie values a r e mean + SD of 6 animals/group
was found to bt: 3 times greater than the normal untreated ones. This herbal
formulation showed an enhancing role on releasing and activating the enzyme,
effecting the metabolic degradation of lipids.
Thus this study emphasizes the lipid clearing and hypolipidaemic/
hypotriglyceridaerilic activities of the formulation, 'Caps HTT, unveiling its
antiatherogenic eiiicac).
5. STUDIES ON ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY
Introduction
Experimental and clinical studies, based on the markers of
inflammation and inflammatory mediators in plasma, as well as in tissue samples
obtained from atherosclerotic tissues, have provided ample evidence for the
presence of ongoing inflammation in atherosclerosis.261 In atherosclerosis,
inflammation may alter the integrity of the vascular endothelium and cause
exposure to thrombogenic material in the plaque with clot formation and
reduction in coronary flow.262
Currently, the most widely used anti-inflammatory drugs for chronic
diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular diseases etc., possess well known side effects
and none of them are suitable for prolonged use. Here we have analysed the anti-
inflammatory response of the formulation, 'Caps HT2'.
Materials and methods
Animals Male Wistar albino rats (200-250 gm) used for the study were
maintained in well-ventilated cages and fed with standard pellet diet (Lipton
India Ltd., Bangalore) and water adlibitu~r!.
Anti-inflammatory activity
Anti-inflammatory activity was studied using the carrageenan
induced acute pedai oedema and the formalin induced chronic pedal oedema in
rats as describcd in the Materials and Methods (2: l l a and 2: llb).
Results
Anti-inflammatory effect of the formulation against carrageenan-
induced acute irdlarnmation is shown in the table (3: 4). The formulation
significantly reduced the paw thickness (P<0.001) as compared to that of control
rats. The volume of the paw oedema was highest at 2nd hr after carrageenan
administration and is followed by a gradual decline (Fig 3: 2).
The results of formalin (Table 3: 5, Fig 3: 3) induced paw oedema
show that the formulation was also significantly (P<0.001) effective in chronic
inflammation. There was 42.7% reduction in oedema when the formulation was
administered at a dose of 300 mg/kg and 38.3% decrease by the higher dose (500
mg/ kg) administration.
The anti-inflammatory efficacy of the herbal formulation was
comparable to that of the standard drug acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin). In acute as
well as chronic inflammations, the 300 mg/kg dose administration showed greater
efficacy.
Discussion
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease and does not result
simply from the accumulation of lipids. If we can selectively modify the harmful
Table 3: 4 - Anti-inflammatory activity of the formulation in rats (Carrageenan induced)
Groups Dose
(mg/kt: body wt.)
Control
Aspirin
Formulation
Formulation
Increase in paw thickness after 3 hrs
(cm)
% inhibition
The values arc mean f S'D of 6 ani~nals/group. ' p <0.001
Fig. 3: 2 - Effect of the formulation on Carrageenan induced pedal oedema in rats
Initial 0 hr t hr 2hr 3 hr Time inte wale
Table 3: 5 - Anti-inflammatory activity of the formulation in rats (Formalin induced)
Groups Increase in paw
Control .-. 0.47 + 0.04 -
Aspirin 100 0.29 k 0.03 ' 38.3
Formulation 300 0.27 i 0.02' 42.7
I Formulation 1 500 0.29 t 0.03 '
i ! 3 8 3
The values arc mlran + SL) of 6 ammals/ group, ' p < 0 001
Fig 3: 3 - Effect of the formulation on formalin induced pedal oedema in rats
0- I I
Initial day 3 day 5day 7%'
Treatment period
components of inflammation in the arteries and leave protective aspects intact, we
may create new avenues for the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular
diseases other than hyperch.olesterolaemia.261
Inflammation is a response of vascular tissue of the body to injury
involving infiltraticln of cells, production of mediators and release of hydrolytic
enzymes. One of the majaor causes of inflammation is the free radicals which
causes peroxiclation of membrane lipids, ageing, atherosclerosis, delayed wound
healing, oxygen toxicity, liver disorders, etc.206
The present study revealed the anti-inflammatory activity of the
formulation, 'Casps HT2'. The formulation also significantly inhibited the acute
inflammation induced by carrageenan as well as chronic inflammation induced by
formalin.
The higher concentrations of the formulation (500mg/kg) showed
the same anti-inflanimatory efficacy as that of the standard drug acetyl salicylic
acid, whereas the lesser concentration (300mg/kg) resulted in higher percentage
efficacy. The findings also indicate that increase in the free radical scavenging
activity of the formulation may be responsible at least in part, for the anti-
inflammatory activity effected.
Among the selected plants of the formulation, Withania
somnifera,'7', 178 Oci1nu11.1 sanctum 1" and Hemidesmus indicus 246 were already
reported as anti-inflammatory agents. In conclusion the anti-inflammatory
activity suggest the therapeutic use of the formulation, 'Caps HT2' in
cardiovascular anci ,issuciatetl diseases.
6. STUDIES ON FWPOLIPIDAEMIC ACTIVITY
Introduction
Myperlipiciaernia is the major risk factor in the initiation and
progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Evidence from studies both in animals and
humans indicate that atherosclerotic progression can be slowed if elevated serum
concentration of the atherogenic lipoprotein and triglycerides are reduced, which
in turn prevents coronary heart disease.
Chronic ingest:ion of atherogenic diet containing cholesterol was
known to produce marked hyperlipiclaemia, which is one of the major correctable
risk factors for causing coronary heart diseases. Raised levels of low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) as well as reduced high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDL) are risk factors in atherosclerosis. Lipid peroxides also
contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, possibly due to the oxidation of
LDL. High levels of lipid peroxidation products have been associated with an
atherogenic lipid pr12fiLe.2~~
The risk of cosronary heart disease (CHD) can be lowered by
treatment that reduces the plasma cholesterol concent~at ions .~~~ Presently we
examined the hypocholesterolaemic/hypolipidaemic effect of the herbal
formulation, 'Caps HT2' on serum lipid parameters in diet induced
hyperlipidaemic/hypercholesterolaemic rats for a period of 30 days.
Materials and methods
Animals Male Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) used for the study were caged in
uniform hygienic collditlons and fed with standard pellet diet and water ad
libitum.
Hypolipidaernic activity
The rats were made hyperlipidaemic by the administration of
atherogenic diet and the serum lipid parameters were estimated. The detailed
method was given in the chapter Materials and Methods (2: 13a - 2: 13e)
Results
The rats fed with HFD during the experimental period showed a
mean body weight increase of 33.3% (B), whereas the normal rats showed an
increase of only 15.1% (Table 3: 6). Simultaneous administration of the herbal
formulation during the experimental period of one month showed a highly
significant decrease in body weight compared to HFD fed group B (Fig 3: 4).
Expcri~ncntal lhyperlipidaemia in rats was associated with an
increase in serum lipid p:rofile.ZG Treatment with the herbal formulation
significantly changed the lipid parameters (Table 3: 6). The administration (300
and 400 mg/kg body wt) for a period of 30 days was associated with a significant
(P<0.001) decline in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and
phospholipids. A highly significant (P<0.001) increase in the HDL cholesterol was
also noticed by the administration of all the four different concentrations
(Table 3: 6) of the formulation.
Table 3: 6 - Effect of the formulation on serum lipid profile of rats fed with HFD for a period of 30 days.
Groups
A . \T,,,,l ' . L .".'.."' -% - HFD
Total Cholesterol Cholesterol
(mg/dl) !mg/dl) i
Cholesterol / Atherogen~c (mg/dl\ Index
-----C-- 18.4k0.9 I O.S:fG.O5 I
Triglycerides
(me!dl)
Phospholipids 1 % wt. '
( m I lilcrease
L - Lovastatin (5mg/kg), R - Formulation (100 mg/kg). F2 - Formulation (200 mg/kg), Fg- Formulation (300 mg/kg), Fa- Formulation (400 mg/kg). "B compared to A, 'C, 'D, 'E, 'F and 'G compared to B, ' P <0.001, " P <0.005, -' P <0.01
ng. 3: .. 4 .- - - . - - Peentag* ..... - ch%g+ in bdj l weight of n;t51 @~atgd Nth Em) and the f~rrnulation for P pe~iod of 30 days
A e B E P G Experimental groups
Fig 3: ti show the percentage change in lipid profile of the various
drug treated groups compared to normal rats (A). Administration of the
formulation (300 anci 400mg/kg body wt.) for one month was associated with a
significant (P<O.UO1) ~Iccline in total cholesterol (23-24%), LDL cholesterol (50-
53%), triglycerides (4044%) and phospholipids (27-28%), (Fig 3: 6). The efficacy
of the formulation was found greater than that of the standard drug lovostatin
(table 3: 6) and is also evident in relation to the atherogenic index (Fig 3: 7). The
atherogenic index was 0.91 in the case of lovostatin fed group (C) where as it was
reduced 0.71 anci 0.72 in the c:ase of the formulation treated groups (F and G). The
HDL cholesterol showed 28-36% increase (Fig 3: 6) in concentration in relation to
the MFD fed group (B) with the administration of the formulation, 'Caps HT2' and
exceeded in the increase in percentage (27%) with that of the standard .drug
lovostatin.
Discussion
Association of dietary lipids with hyperlipidaemia especially
hypercholesterolaernia anci the latter wit11 the development of atherosclerosis was
well established. Reduction in blood lipids/cholesterol especially from LDL
fraction could be used as; a means oi arresting the development of
atheros~lerosis.~66 Cholesterol feeding in experimental animals induces marked
change in the conlposition and atherogenicity of plasma lipoproteins.
In thc present study, administration of the herbal formulation,
'Caps HT2' resulted in a highly signiiicant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL
cholesterol triglyccricies and phospholipids with a concomitant rise in HDL
Fig. 3: 5 - Percentage change in the serum lipid profile of rats treated with HFD and formulation compared to normal rats
for a period of 30 days
Experimental groups .TC WHDL WLDL WTG WPL
B - HFD, C - HFD+ Lovastatin (5mg/kg), D - HFD+ Formulation (100 mg/ kg), E - HFD+Formulation (200 mg/ kg), F - HFD+Fonnulation (300 mg/kg), G - HFD+Formulation (400 mg/kg).
Fig. 3: 6 - Percentage change in the lipid profile of rats treated with HFD and formulation compared with HFD fed for a period of 30 days
-60 ~+--- I I I I
C D E F G Groups
C - HFD+ Lovastatin (5mg/kg), D - HFD+Formulation (100 mg/kg), E - HFD+ Formulation (200 mg/ kg), F - Hm)+ Formulation (300 mg/kg), G - HFD+ Formulation (400 mg/ kg)
Fig. 3: 7 - Atherogenic index of rats treated with HFD and the formulation for a period of 30 days
D Experirrrental groups
A - Normal, B - HFD, C - HFD+ Lovastatin (51ng/kg), D - HFD+Fonnulation (100 mg/kg), E - HFD+ Formulation (200 mg/kg), F - HFD+ Formulation (300 rng/kg), G - HFD+ Formulation (400 mg/kg).
cholesterol. 'I'lic pel-rentagcb decrease in body wctiglit observed betrvcen control
and drug treated groups t v a j indicative of its efficacy against obesity. Changes in
the concentrations i ~ t LDt, cholesterol and HDL cholesterol induced by therapy
retard or reverse tlic flow of cliolcsterol into atheromatous lesions, thereby
improving the stability of plaques and lowering the risk of plaque disruption.^
It is possible that the beneficial cardiovascular effects of the
formulation may be related to its antioxidant, anticoagulant, hypolipidaemic,
platelet aggregation ir~liibitic~n, and lipoprotien lipase releasing properties. It is
evident froni the: results that the 300 and 400 mg/kg body wt. of the formulation
administration exerteci significant I~ypocholesterolaemic, hypotriglyceridaemic
and hypophospholip~daen~ic effects with a highly significant rise in good
cholesterol (HDL). Thus the present study substantiates clearly the effectiveness
of the herbal formulation, 'Caps HT2' as a hypocholesterolaemic/hypolipidaemic
and antiatherogenic agent and could be used in the amelioration of cardiovascular
and related disease conditions.