A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC ACTIVITY OF ZIZIPHUS JUJUBA WITH OTHER LIPID-LOWERING DRUGS ON ALBINO RATS

Mansanitas was shown to have a significant hypocholesterolemic effect, however, its mechanism of action is yet to be determined. This study aims to evaluate the hypolcholesterolemic effect of mansanitas in comparison with different cholesterol-lowering drugs (Atorvastatin, Gemfibrozil and Niacin). This study specifically aims to determine the cholesterol level of rats after intake of mansanitas acqueous crude extract, to compare the lipid-lowering effect of the mansanitas crude extract to Niacin, Atorvastatin and Gemfibrozil and to determine as to which lipid-lowering drug is the mansanitas crude extract comparable. Twenty-five albino rats were used in the study. The subjects were divided into 5 groups, control group, atorvastatin group, niacin group, gemfibrozil group and extract geoup. The hypercholesterolemic state of the subjects was induced for three weeks, afterwhich the different treatments were administered. The lipid profile of the subjects was then measured. Results showed that the aqueous crude extract of mansanitas has exhibited an effective decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL levels with a concomitant increase in HDL level. Further evaluation, has also shown that among Atorvastatin, Niacin and Gemfibrozil, the effect of the aqueous extract is most comparable to that of Gemfibrozil, manifesting a significant decrease in VLDL, a modest reduction in LDL and an increase in HDL. Therefore, the mansanitas aqueous extract has a significant hypocholesterolemic effect and can be a cheaper alternative to other lipi-lowering drugs.

Department of Pharmacology