Preventive effects of <i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i> and <i>Allium sativum</i> against Triton induced hyperlipidaemia in rabbits

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. Hyperlipidaemia is the greatest risk factor of coronary heart disease and currently available hypolipidemic drugs have been associated with number of side effects. Several studies have demonstrated the role of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Allium sativum in improvement of lipid profile and suggest their use as alternative and natural source for prevention / long term management of hyperlipidaemia. Materials and method. The study investigates synergetic antihyperlipidemic effects of polyherbal formulation containing T. foenum-graecum seeds and A. sativum buds (ratio 7:3) in Triton-induced acute hyperlipidaemia in rabbits, and compared with standard Atorvastatin. All animals were fed their respective samples orally without any base material for the period of one week. On day 7, blood samples were collected directly from the marginal ear vein of all rabbits before dosing. Immediately after the last dose, Triton WR-1339 (200 mg/kg i.p.) (Tyloxapol) (Sigma-aldrich Corp., USA) in normal saline was injected into all groups. After 24 h of Triton injection, blood samples were again collected from marginal ear vein of all animals for analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Results. Seven days pretreatment of polyherbal formulation clearly demonstrated significant anti-hyperlipidaemic effects by showing TC 40.4 (p <0.05*), TG 36.6 (p <0.01**), HDL 25.8 and LDL 10.6 mg/dl (p <0.01**) in comparison with control group that exhibited TC 94.6, TG 812.6, HDL 20 and LDL 91.6 mg/dl lipid values. The standard group also exhibited potent results by showing TC 46, TG 198.6 (p <0.01**), HDL 37.6 (p <0.05*) and LDL 31.6 mg/dl (p <0.05*) values. Conclusion. The results obtained suggest that the regular use of a moderate amount of T. foenum-graecum and A. sativum in the diet may offer protection against hyperlipidaemia.