Herbal remedies on hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia involves abnormally elevated levels of any or all lipids and/or lipoproteins in the blood. Hyperlipidemia is a medical condition characterized by an increase in one or more of the plasma lipids. Elevated lipids levels (cholesterol, fats, and triglyceride) predispose the patient to a various serious and sometimes lethal complications such as cardiovascular disease, cerebral strokes, hepatic and renal dysfunction. There are two major types of hyperlipidemia. The first type is the primary hyperlipidemia which is usually familial type caused by genetic abnormalities. The other type is called secondary hyperlipidemia which is resulted from predisposing factors like obesity, thyroid dysfunction, alcoholism, drugs (B-blockers), hypothyroidism, and chronic renal failure. Hyperlipidemia could be treated either by changing life style and follow a healthy behaviour or by using medications (hypolipdimic agents) or both to reach the therapeutic goal which is controlled blood lipid levels. On other hand, huge number of medicinal plant extracts where tested and show significant advantage in controlling blood levels of lipids. This review article will discuss this disease and different types of hypolipdimic agents. Management of hyperlipidemia requires multi-team intervention include medical, nutritional and lifestyle modifications. Searching on the internet using the Google search engine was the main source of data as well as books. This review will try to draw a picture about hyperlipidemia; its risk factors and management. Management strategies depend on the specific lipid abnormality. Many countries or regions have developed their own guidelines. Prevention and treatment of dyslipidaemia consists assessment, establishment of treatment goal, increase activity level, dietary modification, medical therapy, follow up, re-assets.