Active compounds in herbs and their contribution in medical therapeutics

Abstract

Little or no benefit is likely if saturated fat is replaced by carbohydrate, but this will in part depend on the form of carbohydrate. Because both N-6 and N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential and reduce risk of heart disease, the ratio of N-6 to N-3 is not useful and can be misleading. In practice, reducing red meat and dairy products in a food supply and increasing intakes of nuts, fish, soy products and no hydrogenated vegetable oils will improve the mix of fatty acids and have a markedly beneficial effect on rates of CHD. This study was conducted to see hypolipidemic potential of two medicinal herbs. The research work was single blind placebo-controlled, conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore It was conducted from January 2015 to June 2015. Seventy five already diagnosed primary and secondary hyperlipidemic patients were selected with age range from 17 to 65 years. Diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking/alcohol addictive patients, peptic ulcer disease, hypothyroidism, kidney dysfunction, any heart disease and liver disease. All patients were divided in three groups (group-I, group-II, group-III), 25 in each group. All participant’s baseline lipid profile data were taken and filed in specifically designed Performa, at start of taking medicine. Twenty five patients of group-I were advised to take 10 grams of Flaxseeds in three divided doses after meal. Twenty five patients of group-II were advised to take Ajwain seeds 10 grams in three divided doses after each meal for two months. Twenty five patients of group-III were provided placebo capsules, (containing grinded rice), taking one capsule after each meal. All participants were advised to take these medicines for eight weeks. Followup period: All participants were called fortnightly for their query and follow up. Their LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol was determined at the hospital laboratory. In two months therapy by Flaxseeds decreased LDL-cholesterol from 195.11±2.11 mg/dl to 190.22±3.11 mg/dl, which is significant statistically. HDL was increased from 34.53±1.65 mg/dl to 38.97±2.29 mg/d, which is also significant change. In two months therapy by AJWAIN, LDL-c reduced from 201.51±2.62 mg/dl to 197.11±2.66 mg/dl, which is significant statistically. HDL-cholesterol increased by Ajwain from 36.97±3.32 mg/dl to 37.45±1.87 mg/dl, which is insignificant statistically. It was concluded from this study that Flaxseeds have more effect on HDL-c but Ajwain has lowest effect on this parameter.