Abstract:
High plasma lipids interact with free radicals in human body leading to develop coronary artery disease. We in this study have
compared hypolipidemic effects of Fenugreek, Curcuma longa, and Lemon. Study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore-Pakistan
from January 2016 to May 2016. Ninety hyperlipidemic patients of age group 19 to 70 were included in the study. Exclusion criteria
were diabetic, alcoholic additives, hypertensive patients and those whose kidney or liver functions were impaired. Consent was
taken from all participants. Their base line lipid profile was taken in biochemistry laboratory of the hospital. They were divided in
three groups i.e. 30 patients in each group. Group-I was advised to take 500 mg of Curcuma longa (haldi) mixed in fresh milk without
cream, thrice daily for two months. Group-II patients were advised to take 100 grams of Fenugreek leaves mixed with salad in each
meal (thrice daily) for the period of two months. Group-III patients were advised to take 40 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed with 40
ml mineral water thrice daily for two months. They all were advised not to take heavy meal rich with any type of fat like junk food
etc. One hour daily brisk walk was advised to all participants. 15 days follow up visit was scheduled for them. After two months their
lipid profile was re-determined. When results were compiled and statistically analyzed by applying paired ‘t’ test, it revealed that
Curcuma longa decreased total cholesterol, TG, LDL cholesterol 16.10, 20.01, and 17.59mg/dl respectively. Fenugreek decreased
total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 14.70, 17.33, and 17.06mg/dl respectively. Lemon in two months therapy decreased total
cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 15.45, 10.13, and 11.97mg/dl respectively. None of the abovementioned herbs raised HDL
cholesterol significantly. It was concluded from this research work that Curcuma longa, Fenugreek leaves and Lemon are mild to
moderately effective hypolipidemic herbs to lower total plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol but have no potential
to raise HDL cholesterol when analyzed biostatistically.
