Antiatherosclerotic effect of Lipotab Forte in cholesterol-fed rabbits

Lipotab, a polyherbal formulation, attenuates isoprenaline-induced left ventricular remodeling and heart failure in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Lipotab, a polyherbal formulation on isoprenaline (ISO)-induced left ventricular (LV) remodeling and heart failure (HF). HF in Wistar albino rats was produced by two consecutive injections of ISO (150 mg/kg, s.c.) at an interval of 24 h. After 15 days of 2nd ISO injection, HF was indicated by rise in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), lowering of maximal rate of rise of LV pressure divided by LV systolic pressure (LVdP/dtmax/P; cardiac contractility) and maximal rate of fall of LV pressure (LVdP/dtmin), fall in cardiac output (CO), cardiac hypertrophy (heart to body weight ratio) and histopathological changes in heart. HF rats showed a significant increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA), reduction in serum reduced glutathione (GSH) content and a significant rise in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level. Prior treatment with Lipotab (275 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was significantly able to preserve LV functions. Post treatment with Lipotab (275 mg/kg/day, p.o.) also improved LV functions but did not prevent the fall in LVdP/ dtmin, CO and cardiac hypertrophy. Lipotab significantly prevented fall in GSH levels, rise in level of MDA and TNF-α in serum of HF rats. Histopathological examination confirmed hemodynamic and biochemical findings. Results of the present study indicate that Lipotab prevents ISO-induced LV remodeling and consequent HF in rats through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Antiatherosclerotic effects of dietary supplementations of garlic and turmeric: Restoration of endothelial function in rats

Protections of endothelial integrity by elimination of certain risk have proven to be effective in maintaining hemostasis and in slowing the progress of the cardiovascular disease. Indigenous drugs are the natural source of protection against these disorders, which can be used more effectively by the knowledge of their active ingredients as well as by their mechanism of action. Most prominent among these drugs are garlic, [Alium sativum L., Family: Liliaceae, Bulbs] and turmeric [Curcuma longa L., Family: Zingiberaceae, Rhizomes]; commonly used Indian traditional spices. In the present study, we examined the atheroscleroprotective potential of diet supplementation of garlic and turmeric by measuring serum lipid profile, changes in cardiovascular parameters i.e. arterial blood pressure, electrocardiogram and heart rate. We further tried to elucidate the mechanism of restoration of endothelial function and the role of endothelium-derived factors mainly, nitric oxide (NO) and cycloxygenase derived contracting factors. A notable restoration of arterial blood pressure was seen in animals on garlic and turmeric supplemented diet. Animals on supplemented diet showed a significantly enhanced vasorelaxant response to adenosine, acetylcholine, isoproterenol and contractile effect of 5-hyderoxytryptamine was significantly attenuated. Inhibition of these responses by L-NMMA was smaller in tissues from herbal treated animals. Incubation of tissues with L-arginine (10(-5) M) resulted in a significant reversal of L-NMMA induced inhibition of endothelium-mediated relaxation, which appeared to be pronounced in rings from animals supplemented with herbs as compared to hypercholesterolemic animals. Addition of indomethacin (10(-5) M) augmented the relaxation in all the groups of animals. The present study demonstrated that garlic and turmeric are potent vasorelaxants as well as reduce the atherogenic properties of cholesterol. Whether combination of these vasodilators in cardiovascular disorders with increased peripheral vascular resistance remains to be determined.

Endothelium modulated vasorelaxant response of a polypharmaceutical herbal drug (lipotab) and its individual constituents

The present study was undertaken to examine the endothelium modulated effects of polypharmaceutical drug lipotab and its individual ingredients in isolated aortic rings of rat. Endothelium intact and denuded aortic rings were precontracted with phenylephrine 10(-6) M and drugs were added in cumulative manner in concentration ranging from 1 to 50 microg/ml. The results demonstrated an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effect of lipotab and its individual ingredients, with the exception of nicotinic acid. The dose dependent relaxant response of nicotinic acid was not altered significantly in the endothelium-denuded rings, suggesting a direct effect of the drug on the vascular smooth muscle. Vasorelaxant effect of lipotab and its individual constituents suggests the therapeutic potential of these compounds in certain cardiovascular diseases.