Hypolipidemic effect of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna): An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: High cholesterol is the sixth-highest risk factor for death in the globe. Herbal medications regularly complement modern medical care, especially by providing safe and well-tolerated therapies for chronic conditions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare cholesterol lowering effects of Terminalia arjuna bark and Bacopa monnieri leaves (Brahmi) extract in human blood samples diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: Herbal extract of arjuna (T. arjuna) and Brahmi (B. monnieri) leaves in distilled water (d/w) and cow’s urine (c/u) [A1, A2, B1, B2] was taken and added to the pooled serum samples collected aseptically and a kinetic study was performed with it. Cholesterol standard was obtained from Erba chem Transasia kit (Trinder’s method, endpoint) with standard cutoff value 200 mg/dL. Results: Baseline reading of total cholesterol in all samples was 189 mg/dL. After 2 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 159 mg/dL, 157, 155 and 154 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. After 4 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 149 mg/dL, 148, 146, and 144 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. After 6 h, total cholesterol reading in A1 was 109 mg/dL, 104, 112, and 110 mg/dL in A2, B1, B2, respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, it was found that aqueous extract of Brahmi (B. monnieri) and T. arjuna (Arjuna) were effective in reducing total cholesterol levels. It can be considered as a potential therapeutic alternative in patients with hyperlipidemia, but warrants further clinical studies.