ANTIDYSLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF EUGENIA JAMBOLANA EXTRACT ON HIGH FAT DIET INDUCED DYSLIPIDEMIA IN RATS

Antidyslipidemic activity of extract of Eugenia jambolana (EJ, Jamun fruit) in adult Charles Foster rats of both sexes was studied and compared with that of Atorvastatin (Atorva). 4 groups were made [Gp 1- Control group (no drug), only high fat diet (HFD); Gp 2- HFD +EJ (evaluation of role of EJ in the prevention of dyslipidemia); Gps 3 & 4-only HFD]. This was the phase of disease production, lasting for 7 weeks, in which we also evaluated the preventive role of EJ. Thereafter, therapy phase started, which lasted for 90 days [Gp 1-Control group (no drug). Only HFD; Gp 3- HFD+ Atorva; Gp 4- HFD+EJ]. Parameters tested were TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglycerides), LDL (low density lipoproteins) and HDL (high density lipoproteins). During the prevention/ disease production phase, EJ brought an improvement in TC level as compared to control group, which was statistically not significant; but improvements in TG, LDL & HDL levels were significant. Moreover, in the therapy phase, EJ brought significant improvement in all the parameters. It means to say, EJ takes some time in the initiation of a significant response- as we know that natural products take some time for the onset of their therapeutic effects. During therapy phase, Atorva was slightly more effective than EJ. Therefore, Eugenia jambolana, as a low-cost herbal therapy, offers an inexpensive, safe & effective measure to combat major public health problems viz dyslipidemia/ Coronary Artery Disease/ Atherosclerosis.