Active Phytoconstituents for Controlling Hypercholesterolemia: A Review

Hypercholesterolemia is patho-physiological condition of metabolism caused by incessant increase in blood cholesterol levels and might be a possible risk factor for many cardiovascular and its associated diseases. Due to adverse effects and cost inefficiency of medications curing hypercholesterolemic disorders, medicinal plants are providing a cost efficient alternative to reduce the risk factors. Present review is providing data of 22 important medicinal plants species possessing antihypercholesterolemic activity and their active phyto-constituents. It would provide a ready reckoner for the research related to increased cholesterol level in blood. Further efforts should be made to implement these plant based drugs in clinical trials.

Abbreviations

LDL: Low Density Lipoproteins; HDL: High Density Lipoproteins; VLDL: Very Low Density Lipoproteins; G: Triglycerides; TC: Total Cholesterol; NCEP: National Cholesterol Education Program; dL: deciliter; ABG: Aged Black Garlic; LPO: Lipid Peroxidase; HCD: Hypercholesterolemic Diet; DPPH: 1,1-Diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl; FRAP: Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power; TBARS: Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; HFD: High-Fat Diet; SGOT: Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase; SGPT: Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase; CMFJ: Cucumis Belo Fruit Juice; SG: Sesbania Grandiflora; AI: Atherogenic Index.

Introduction

Hypercholesterolemia is a disorder of lipid metabolism manifested by elevation of plasma concentrations of the various lipid and lipoprotein fractions, which is the key risk factor for cardiovascular disorders [1] and has been reported as the most common cause of death in developed as well as developing nations [2,3].

The modern lifestyle, with a high fat diet and little physical activity, significantly contributes to hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases [4]. The abnormal cholesterol levels are the result of an unhealthy lifestyle including taking high-fat diet and other lifestyle factors like being overweight, smoking, heavy alcohol use and lack of exercise. Other factors include diabetes, kidney disease, pregnancy, and an underactive thyroid gland [5]. Other illnesses that may elevate cholesterol levels include polycystic ovary syndrome and kidney disease. The higher levels of female hormones like oestrogen, have been noted to increase or change cholesterol levels. In addition, drugs like diuretics, beta-blockers and medicines used to treat depression have also been reported to raise cholesterol levels [6]. Another modifying factors in the development and progression of hyperlipidemia are age and gender. It has been shown that cholesterol levels rise as the person gets older [7-9].

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol accumulate in the extracellular sub endothelial space of arteries; these are highly atherogenic and toxic to vascular cells, leading to atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and functional depression in organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys [10]. Clinical trials have shown that lowering lipids reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular complications [11].

Classification of lipid concentrations

The lipids can be classified as TC, triglycerides, LDL, HDL and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol.

Total cholesterol: According to guidelines of National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), TC concentrations below 200 mg/dL have been regarded as desirable, whereas, concentrations greater than 240 mg/dL are referred to as hyperlipidemic. However, epidemiological evidence suggests that the risk of cardiac events decreases as TC levels fall approximately to 150mg/dL. Moreover, TC should be less than 180 mg/dL for children.

Triglyceride: The excess calories, alcohol or sugar in the body get converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body. The triglyceride concentration less than 150 mg/dL is regarded as normal, whereas, concentrations of 200-499 mg/dL are considered as high.

LDL cholesterol: LDL is commonly known as the bad cholesterol, which is produced by the liver and carry cholesterol and other lipids from the liver to different areas of the body like muscles, tissues, organs and heart. The high levels of LDL indicate much more cholesterol in the blood stream than necessary and hence, increase the risk of heart disease. According to NCEP guidelines, LDL cholesterol concentrations below 100mg/dL are considered optimal, whereas concentrations in the range of 160-189 mg/dL are considered to the higher side. However, increasing evidence supports that normal human LDL cholesterol concentration can be as low as 50 to 70 mg/dL.

HDL cholesterol: HDL is commonly referred to as the good cholesterol, which is produced by the liver to carry cholesterol and other lipids from tissues back to the liver for degradation. High levels of HDL cholesterol have been considered as a good indicator of a healthy heart. The concentrations of 60 mg/dL or higher have been considered as optimal. However, HDL is often interpreted in the context of TC and LDL concentrations, and hence may be regarded as less significant when LDL is low.

VLDL cholesterol: VLDL is similar to LDL cholesterol in the sense that it contains mostly fat and not much protein. They are formed by a combination of cholesterol and triglycerides. Moreover, VLDLs are heavier than LDL, and are also associated with atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Mechanism of lipid transport

Lipids are insoluble in water. Hence, they are transported around the body as lipoproteins. Lipids originate from two sources: endogenous lipids, synthesized in the liver, and exogenous lipids, ingested and processed in the intestine. Approximately 7% of body’s cholesterol circulates in plasma in the form of low density lipoproteins (LDL). The level of plasma cholesterol is influenced by its synthesis and catabolism in which liver plays a crucial role.

Causes of hyperlipidemia

The main cause of hyperlipidemia includes changes in lifestyle habits in which risk factor is mainly poor diet i.e. with a fat intake greater than 40 percent of total calories, saturated fat intake greater than 10 percent of total calories; and cholesterol intake greater than 300 milligrams per day or treatable medical conditions. The abnormal cholesterol levels are the result of an unhealthy lifestyle including taking high-fat diet and other lifestyle factors like being overweight, smoking heavy alcohol use and lack of exercise. Other factors include diabetes, kidney disease, pregnancy, and an underactive thyroid gland.

Plants and plant products

The main aim of treatment in patients with hypercholesterolemia is to reduce the risk of developing ischemic heart disease or the occurrence of further cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease [12]. The consumption of synthetic drugs leads to hyperuricemia, diarrhoea, nausea, myositis, gastric irritation, flushing, dry skin and abnormal liver function.

The medicinal plants play a major role in hypocholesterolemic activity [13]. Herbal medicines have been main source of primary healthcare in all over the world. Chemical principles from natural sources have become much simpler and have contributed significantly to the development of new drugs from medicinal plants [14].

Review of literature

Allium sativum: Animals were fed with two types of diets: a normal diet and high-fat diet and were orally administered with A. sativum Body weight, lipid parameter, antioxidant enzymes activity and LPO in serum and liver were investigated. Extract doses significantly lowered body weight, improved lipid profile and decreased serum LPO level relative to the control. These results suggest A. sativum administration improves body weight gain, alteration in lipid profiles and antioxidant defense system [15-17] (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Allium sativum.

Allium porrum: Animals were fed with two types of diet and administered with A. porrum extract. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and HDL cholesterol. Thus the changes in distribution of cholesterol decreased significantly in all groups treated with A. porrum extract compared to hypercholesterolemic group. These findings indicate that this plant may be useful for treating hypercholesterolemia [18] (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Allium porrum.

Avena sativa: The animals were fed with the experimental diet. It was found that oat oil lowered plasma total, LDL cholesterol, liver total, free cholesterol, cholesterol ester and TG. Even, the faecal weight, total lipids and bile acid concentration increased in oat oil. It was concluded that oat oil improves hypercholesterolemia in rats fed with HCD by enhancing excretions of faecal lipids and bile acids [19-21] (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Avena sativa.

Bacopa monnier: The plant material of B. monniera was extracted and was fed to the hypercholesterolemic rats. Biochemical and histological changes were analyzed and found decrease in the levels of Total cholesterol, TG, plasma lipid, LDL, VLDL, atherogenic index, LDL/HDL ratio and Total cholesterol/HDL ratio but increase in the levels of HDL compared to HCD fed rats. These results suggest that this plant protects against biochemical changes and aortic pathology in hypercholesterolemic rats [22,23] (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Bacopa monniera.

Cinnamomum tamala: The study was to investigate the hypolipidemic effect of C. tamala leaves extract in high cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidemia. These resulted in prevention of rise in serum levels of total cholesterol, TG, LDL, VLDL and atherogenic index whereas increase in level of HDL [24,25] (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Cinnamomum tamala.

Citrus mitis: The rats fed with high cholesterol diet were examined with extract of C. mitis. The supplementation of C. mitis extract respectively reduced plasma total cholesterol, LDL and TG levels and increased level of HDL and suggested that C. mitis extract possesses lipid lowering and antioxidative effect [26] (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Citrus mitis.

Cucumis melo: C. melo fruit juice (CMFJ) (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 ml/kg p.o.) was administered to high-cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Treatment with 7.5 ml/kg CMFJ significantly reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), TG, LDL level, atherogenic index and increased the serum HDL levels when compared to control [27] (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Citrus mitis.

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba: Male Wistar rats were maintained for 8 weeks either on high (0.5%) cholesterol diet or basal control diet. Significant anti-hypercholesterolemic effect was seen in cluster bean fed animals at 12.5 and 25 per cent levels and found decrease in serum LDL associated fraction and increase in HDL associated cholesterol fraction. Hepatic lipid profile showed a significant decrease in both cholesterol and triglycerides [28] (Figure 8).

Figure 8: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba.

Emblica officinalis: 5 groups of 6 animals in each received normal saline, E. officinalis powder, high fat diet, High fat diet plus E. officinalis powder both and Atorvastatin respectively for 8 weeks. Blood samples of the animals were estimated for the lipid profile and effects of test drug studied by comparing levels of Total Cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL, and Atherogenic index. Fruit of Amla showed significant anti-hyperlipidemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-atherogenic effect [29] (Figure 9).

Figure 9: Emblica officinalis.

Macrotyloma uniflorum: Animals were fed with experimental high-fat diets (HFD) The consumption of ethanol and water extract of experimental plant for 5 weeks caused the decrease in total cholesterol (TC), TG, LDL, VLDL, SGOT and SGPT and increase in HDL and the rat group fed with HFD has higher serum TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, SGOT, SGPT, and lower HDL. Faecal excretion of cholesterol in the ethanol extract-treated groups was significantly higher than those treated with water extract. Body weight in the water extract treated groups was significantly lower than that in the ethanol extract-treated groups [30] (Figure 10).

Figure 10: Macrotyloma uniflorum.

Mimosa pudica: The hypolipidemic activity of M. pudica extract was studied on high fat diet induced models of hyperlipidemia in rats. Ethanol extract showed significant hypolipidemic effect by lowering the serum levels of biochemical parameters such as significant reduction in the level of serum Cholesterol, TG, LDL, VLDL and increase in HDL level which was similar to the standard drug Lovastatin [31] (Figure 11).

Figure 11: Mimosa pudica.

Moringa oleifera: Albino Wistar rats received cholesterol (400mg/kg b.wt. in 5ml coconut oil p.o) and were tested orally at the dose of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight. The extract (300 mg/kg & 600 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in total serum cholesterol and lipid levels compared to vehicle control group. The study proved that ethanolic stem bark extracts of M. oleifera shows significant anticholesteremic and antilipidemic activity [32] (Figure 12).

Figure 12: Moringa oleifera.

Nasturtium officinale: Intragastric administration of N. officinale hydroalcoholic extract (500 mg/kg b.wt. per day) to groups of hypercholesterolemic rats for 10 days lowered their serum TC, TG and LDL-C by 34.2, 30.1, and 52.9%, respectively, while raised the serum HDL-C level by 27.0% after 10 days of treatments [33] (Figure 13).

Figure 13: Nasturtium officinale.

Phyllanthus reticulates: Experimental rats were divided into different groups: normal, hypercholesterolemic control and P. reticulatus treated (250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. doses for 45 days). The aqueous extract of P. reticulatus (250 mg and 500 mg/kg) produced significant reduction in TG, VLDL, total cholesterol (TC), LDL and oxidative stress (protein carbonyl) while increase in HDL [34] (Figure 14).

Figure 14: Phyllanthus reticulatus.

Pistacia lentiscus: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 9 groups (20/group): control; hypercholesterolemic; hypercholesterolemic treated with: hypocholesterolemic drug, pistachio, almonds, mixture of pistachio and almonds; normal rats treated with pistachio, almonds, mixture of pistachio and almonds. The experiment lasted 6 weeks after treatment. The results of the study showed that diet supplemented with pistachio and/or almond induced significant decrease in TC and LDL-C, VLDL TG and phospholipids level, while HDL-C levels were unchanged compared to hypercholesterolemic group [35] (Figure 15).

Figure 15: Pistacia lentiscus.

Prosopis cineraria: Hypercholesterolemia was induced in rabbits orally with high fat diet and cholesterol powder (500 mg/kg b.wt/day). The treatment of P. cineraria bark extract reduced lipid profile parameters i.e. total cholesterol up to 91.7%, LDL cholesterol 93%, triglyceride 59% and VLDL- cholesterol 60% [36] (Figure 16).

Figure 16: Prosopis cineraria.

Rhus coriaria L: The hypolipidemic effects of aqueous methanol extract sumac (R. coriaria L.) fruits in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed rats was investigated. There was a significant increase in the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) and concluded that sumac fruit extract minimized the lipid abnormalities and abnormal biochemical changes induced in HCD fed rats [37] (Figure 17).

Figure 17: Rhus coriaria.

Sesbania grandiflora: The aqueous extract of leaves of S. grandiflora (SG) was administered a dose of 200µg/kg (p.o) to the triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. SG shows a significant decrease in the levels of serum cholesterol, phospholipids, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL and significant increase in the level of serum HDL at the dose of 200 µg/kg (p.o.) [38] (Figure 18).

Figure 18: Sesbania grandiflora.

Solanum macrocarpon: The leaves and fruits of S. macrocarpon were administered (p.o.) for 7 days to Wistar rats at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg of body weight and Atorvastatin was used as a reference drug. Administration of S. macrocarpon resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and triglycerides and increase in HDL was observed in the treated groups [39] (Figure 19).

Figure 19: Solanum macrocarpon.

Sphaeranthus indicus: Alcoholic extract of S. indicus Linn. Flower was tested on hyperlipidemic male albino rats for 8 days. 500mg/kg/day drug significantly decreased the level of TC, and LDL as compared to control with increased HDL and it also reduced atherogenic index [40] (Figure 20).

Figure 20: Sphaeranthus indicus.

Withania coagulans: An aqueous extract of fruits of W. coagulans (1g/kg; p.o.) were administered to high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rats for 7 weeks; this significantly reduced the elevated serum cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein levels [41] (Figure 21).

Figure 21: Withania coagulans.

Ziziphus oenoplia: Ethanolic extract of Z. oenoplia leaf was administered to the Wistar albino rats at two dose levels (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg) which showed significant hypolipidemic activity by reduction in the level of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, AI, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and increase in HDL level as compared to cholesterol control groups [42] (Figure 22).

Figure 22: Ziziphus oenoplia.

Conclusion

Plant and plant products have been in attention since earlier days as an effective option to reduce body weight and body fat. This review reports the advantages of herbal drugs over the synthetic drugs. Major fraction of the plants listed above has been reported with anti-oxidative effect which may be important in the management of diseases accompanying with obesity like cardiovascular diseases. The need to discover anti- hypercholesterolemic drugs having better efficacy and lower adverse effect is still felt. The result of this review can be helpful for the drug industry to study on the components of these herbs and investigate further to find a component with higher efficacy. Further well-designed clinical trials are still needed to focus on safe and cost effective herbal products.

Authors are also thankful to the Head and Coordinator (CAS), Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur (India) for providing necessary facilities.

Funding

One of authors is financially supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi [grant number 45/36/2012/BMS/TRM].

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