Antidyslipidaemic and cardioprotective effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) in rat fed a high cholesterol diet

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antidyslipidaemic and cardioprotective effects of aqueous extract of Curcuma longa (AECL) in rats fed a high cholesterol diet (HCD). Methods: Twenty (20) rats were randomly grouped into four groups: A-D of five animals per group. Groups A-C received HCD (2000mg/kg, oral) and carbimazole (60mg/kg, oral) daily for eight weeks. Group A served as negative control. Group B (positive control) was treated with atorvastatin (20mg/kg), while group C served as treatment group and received AECL (400mg/kg) daily for eight weeks. Group D served as normal control and received no treatment. After the administration, biochemical markers of Lipid profiles (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) were assayed using standard methods. The hearts of the rats were harvested for histopathological studies. Results: AECL significantly induced hypolipidaemia and stabilized lipid biochemical markers (p<0.05 or p<0.01); and protected the cardiac muscle fibres from injuries. Conclusion: Tumeric (Curcuma longa) has antidyslipidaemic and cardioprotective effects. Keywords: antidyslipidaemia, cardioprotection, Curcuma longa, ethnopharmacology, hypercholesterolaemia, Medicinal foods, cardiomyopathy