THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF HERBAL MEDICINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERLIPIDEMIA UPDATED OVERVIEW
Saravanan C, Loganathan K
Aadhibhagawan College of Pharmacy, Ranthan Village, Thiruvannamalai district-604407, Tamilnadu, India
Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood, which significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. It may be classified as primary (genetic or polygenic) or secondary to conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, renal disorders, alcoholism, and certain drug therapies. Alterations in plasma levels of LDL, VLDL, IDL, chylomicrons, and HDL play a central role in disease progression.Conventional anti hyper lipidemic drugs such as statins, fibrates, niacin, bile acid resins, and other lipidlowering agents are effective but may be associated with adverse effects during long-term therapy. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward natural products and medicinal plants as safer alternatives.Various plantbased ingredients—including garlic (Allium sativum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), amla (Emblicaofficinalis), red yeast rice (Monascuspurpureus), fenugreek (Trigonellafoenumgraecum), and many others—exhibit hypolipidemic activity through mechanisms such as inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, enhanced bile acid excretion, antioxidant effects, improved LDL receptor activity, and modulation of lipid metabolism pathways.Natural remedies offer multiple advantages including fewer side effects, additional health benefits (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties), affordability, and better patient compliance. Therefore, incorporation of natural ingredients may serve as an effective and safer approach for the prevention and management of hyperlipidemia, either alone or as adjunct therapy. However, further clinical validation and standardization are recommended to establish their therapeutic efficacy and safety.
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