Cardio protective influence of dietary spices mediated through their hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential

Abstract

Evidences from exhaustive research in experimental animal models as well as in human subjects indicate that high cholesterol concentration in circulation, especially of LDL-associated cholesterol, lowered HDL-associated cholesterol, high blood pressure, thrombotic tendency and oxidative stress in the myocardium are the major risk factors for the etiology of CVD. Liberal consumption of dietary fibre and antioxidant phytochemicals are advocated for the prevention of CVD. A few spices when consumed through food, exert hypocholesterolemic property and hence anti-atherogenic and cardioprotective influence. The anti-thrombotic influence, antioxidant potential-particularly in cardiac tissue and suppression of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, anti-obesity/thermogenic influence, and anti-hypertensive influence exerted by specific spices also play a significant role in their cardio protective attribute. The antioxidant property of a few spices are of particular interest in view of the importance of oxidative modification of LDL in the development of atherosclerosis. Recent animal studies have suggested that the cardio protective influence of a combination of fenugreek seeds and garlic is higher than their individual effect. Similarly, the combination of fenugreek seeds and onion offers higher amelioration of the cardiac damage accompanying diabetes.