Abstract
Four groups of 25 rabbits each, were studied to determine the effect of Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), Amla ( Emblica officinalis) and Bahira ( Terminalia belerica) on cholesterol-induced hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis. The control group was fed with cholesterol alone; the Haritaki group received Haritaki and cholesterol; the Bahira group received Bahira and cholesterol; and the Amla group received Amla and cholesterol for 16 weeks. Cholesterolaemia was significantly less ( P < 0.001) in the Haritaki group (166 mg/dl), the Bahira group (240 mg/dl) and the Amla group (205 mg/dl) than in the control group (630 mg/dl). The Haritaki group had significantly less cholesterolaemia ( P < 0.001) as compared to the Bahira and Amla groups. Aortic sudanophilia was significantly less ( P < 0.001) in the Haritaki group (6%), the Bahira group (16%), and the Amla group (12%) than in the control group (38%). The cholesterol contents of the liver and aorta, respectively, were significantly less in the Haritaki group (46 mg/100 g, 28 mg/100 g), the Bahira group (78 mg/100 g, 72 mg/100 g) and the Amla group (46 mg/100 g, 42 mg/100 g), than in the control group (604 mg/100 g, 116 mg/100 g). Among the drug-fed groups, the Haritaki group had significantly lower degrees of sudanophilia and cholesterol content of aorta and liver ( P < 0.001) as compared to the Bahira and Amla groups. Although all three drugs reduced serum cholesterol, aortic sudanophilia and cholesterol contents of liver and aorta, their effects were in ascending order of magnitude. The drugs did not influence serum triglyceride levels, euglobulin clot lysis time or platelet adhesiveness. As they did not cause increased excretion of cholesterol, their action might be mediated through enzymic degradation of cholesterol in the liver or elsewhere. It is suggested that the active principles of these drugs should be identified and the hypocholesterolaemic effects evaluated in man.
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