Swertiamarin: a lead from Enicostemma littorale Blume. for anti-hyperlipidaemic effect.

We have investigated the hypolipidemic effects of swertiamarin an active lead isolated from a perennial herb Enicostemma littorale Blume. in high cholesterol fed rats. Swertiamarin (50 and 75 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (50 mg/kg) was given orally daily for seven consecutive day to the high cholesterol feed rats. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein were found to be markedly elevated in the high cholesterol fed control rats and these changes were significantly prevented in swertiamarin treated animals. However, there was no significant effect on serum high density lipoprotein level. The 3-hydroxy 3-methyl glutaryl Co A (HMG-Co A) reductase activity was significantly inhibited in swertiamarin and atorvastatin treated groups compared to high cholesterol fed control group. Swertiamarin was also found to increased excretion of fecal bile acid and total sterols compared to control animals. In conclusion our data suggest that swertiamarin possess high antiatherogenic potential and an effective cholesterol lowering agent and inhibition of HMG-Co A reductase may be one of the main mechanisms of hypolipidemic effect of swertiamarin.