Abstract:
Background: Hyperlipidemia is defined as the elevation in the fasting concentration of
total cholesterol along with Triglycerides and LDL. Increase in cholesterol levels and
triglyceride level leads to atherosclerosis which is intimal thickening, lipid accumulation
and calcification in the arteries causing endothelial dysfunction and can result in
cardiovascular diseases. Rosuvastatin, a HMG CoA reductase inhibitor have been approved
as a first line Drug for Hyperlipidemia and significantly decreases high levels of
cholesterol, TG and LDL. Silymarin, a traditional herbal remedy obtained from the seed of
silybum marianum which is a milk thistle plant. is affiliated with alteration of membrane
lipid by interfering with the secretion and uptake of lipoproteins
Objective: To evaluate the effects of silymarin alone or in combination with rosuvastatin
on elevated total cholesterol, Triglycerides, high levels of Low Density lipoproteins and
low levels of High Density Lipoproteins.
Subjects, Materials and Methods: This randomized, open clinical trial was conducted in
90 Hyperlipidemic males and females above 40 years of age. They were allocated into
three groups and the recruitment of patient was done at OPD of National Medical Center.
90 subjects were randomly allocated in three groups comprising of 30 subjects in each
group by a computer allocated balloting randomization. The Group A subjects were given
Tablet rosuvastatin 10mg OD alone. The Group B subjects were given Tablet Rosuvastatin
10mg OD and Tablet Silymarin 200mg 1× BD. The Group C subjects were advised Tablet
Silymarin 200mg 1×BD alone for the period of 3 months. Baseline investigations FLP,
LFTS and CPK were done at week 0 and at week 12. There were total three visits of
patients, at week 0, at week 6 and at the end of week 12. At week 0 patients were asked to
read consent form and sign it, they were assessed for anthropometric measurements,
evaluation form was filled with personal and laboratory data and were advised to take low
carbohydrate and low fat diet. At week 6 the patients were called to check for any adverse
symptoms and check their compliance and after 12 weeks patients were called along with
xi
the laboratory investigation reports. At this time their anthropometric measurements were
also checked and documented.
Conclusion: Silymarin shows great potential in decreasing lipid levels of the blood when
used alone and in combination with rosuvastatin. It has also shown great results in
decreasing liver enzymes when used alone or in combination with rosuvastatin. The results
of this study can further be evaluated with bigger sample size.
