Effects of Ginger on LDL-C, Total Cholesterol and Body Weight

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia whether it is primary or secondary to take high lipid-content diets can cause coronary artery disease. This condition can be prevented and treated by allopathy related drugs like vitamin B3, and statins. As these drugs have potential to develop severe side effects, many cardiologists have approved utilization of medicinal herbs to control hyperlipidemia. We selected its hypolipidemic and weight lost effects in primary and secondary hyperlipidemic patients. Type of Research study: It was placebo-controlled study. Area of research: Research was conducted in Jinnah hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Duration of study: It was three months, from January 2014 to June 2014. Materials, methods and results: Already well understood, clearly explained written consent was taken from sixty hyperlipidemic patients age range from 18 to 70 years. Both gender male and female patients were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided in two groups 30 patients were on drug ginger pasted-powder advised to take 5 grams in divided doses with their normal diet for the period of three months. Thirty patients were on placebo pastedwheat powder, with same color as of ginger powder, advised to take 5 grams in divided doses with their normal diet for the period of three months. Their base line lipid profile and body weight was recorded at start of treatment and were advised to come for check-up, fortnightly. When duration of study was over, their lipid profile and body weight was measured and compared statistically with pre-treatment values. Three months treatment with 5 grams of Ginger decreased LDL-cholesterol 17.41%, total-cholesterol 8.83% and body weight 2.11%. When compared with placebo group, all changes in mentioned parameters were significant bio-statistically. Conclusion: It was concluded from results of study that active ingredients of ginger lower plasma lipids and body weight significantly, eventually preventing development of coronary artery disease in primary and secondary hyperlipidemic patients.