Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), extracted from fresh coconut kernel possess similar fatty acid composition to that of Copra Oil (CO), a product of dried kernel. Although CO forms the predominant dietary constituent in south India, VCO is being promoted for healthy life due to its constituent antioxidant molecules. High fructose containing CO is an established model for insulin resistance and steatohepatitis in rodents. In this study, replacement of CO with VCO in high fructose diet markedly improved the glucose metabolism and dyslipidemia. The animals fed VCO diet had only 17 % increase in blood glucose level compared to CO fed animals (46 %). Increased level of GSH and antioxidant enzyme activities in VCO fed rats indicate improved hepatic redox status. Reduced lipid peroxidation and carbonyl adducts in VCO fed rats well corroborate with the histopathological findings that hepatic damage and steatosis were comparatively reduced than the CO fed animals. These results suggest that VCO could be an efficient nutraceutical in preventing the development of diet induced insulin resistance and associated complications possibly through its antioxidant efficacy.

Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known class of nutraceuticals with established health benefits. Recently, the oxidation products of these fatty acids are gaining attention, as they are likely to disturb body redox balance. Therefore, the efficacy of omega-3 fats under conditions of diminished antioxidant status, such as aging, is always a concern. Present study assessed the effects of omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA) together with or without vitamin-E in naturally aged rats. It was found that in omega-3 fats alone consumed rats the lipid profile was improved, while in omega-3 fat with vitamin-E-consumed group (OMVE), the hepato protective and antioxidant properties were pronounced, especially the redox status of brain tissue. It is possible that vitamin-E might have reduced the peroxidation of omega-3 fats, thereby allowing their synergistic effects. Hence, the use of vitamin-E along with omega-3 fat may be beneficial under aged conditions.

A polyherbal formulation consisting of different proportions of Commiphora mukul (Hook ex Stocks) Eng., Salacia reticulata Wight, Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn, and Curcuma longa Linn extracts was tested for free-radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidative effects on serum and platelets in vitro. The most active formulation (GSTC3) was evaluated for its hypolipidemic potential on a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFD) fed to male Wistar rats for a period of 45 days. At a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, GSTC3 decreased serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, and phospholipids similar to standard atorvastatin while maintaining high-density lipoprotein (HDL) at normal levels. Significantly lower levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were observed in both the liver and sera of rats treated with GSTC3. Although the phospholipid levels in liver remained unchanged, lower values of LDL, VLDL, and atherogenic index of plasma as well as higher HMG-CoA/ mevalonate ratios suggested a significant hypolipidemic effect for GSTC3, possibly by partial inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity. The histopathological analysis of liver tissue did not reveal lipid accumulation or indicate tissue damage. Overall, the results of this study suggest the hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic efficacy of a nontoxic herbal formulation.

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Context: Polyherbal drugs in traditional medicine have been time-tested for treatment of a wide variety of chronic ailments. Aims: To determine constituent components in an in-house designed polyherbal formulation GSTC3 and evaluation of consistency in preparation. Settings and Design: In this study, a hypolipidemic formulation was created using well known plant extracts such as Commiphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks.) Eng. (Burseraceae), Salacia reticulata Wight (Celastraceae), Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight and Arn (Combretaceae) and Curcuma longa Linn (Zingiberaceae). Methods and Material:The authentication of individual plant powders was performed using techniques such as powder microscopy and characterised according to Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India. Phytochemical screening, HPTLC analysis and physicochemical parameters were also determined. Results:The powder microscopic analysis of the individual components served as an authentication for source of plants used. Phytochemical screening ascertained that active classes of compounds reported in the individual extracts such as steroids, terpenoids and polyphenols came into the formulation. Finally, HPTLC analysis of three different batches of GSTC3 ensured stability and integrity in batch to batch preparations. Conclusion: Experimental studies have revealed the antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-lipidemic and anti-thrombotic efficacy of GSTC3. This standardisation procedure is essential for further development of GSTC3 into an efficient anti-atherosclerotic drug candidate.Key words: HPTLC, Pharmacognosy, Polyherbal formulation, Powder microscopy, Phytochemical screening. SUMMARY• GSTC is an anti-atherosclerotic polyherbal formulation developed from four individual medicinal plants.• Powder microscopic analysis of the individual components of GSTC3 served as an authentication of source plant.• Phytochemical screening ascertained the presence of steroids, terpenoids and polyphenols in the formulation.• HPTLC analysis of three different batches of GSTC3 ensured stability and integrity among batch to batch preparations.• Physicochemical analysis showed the feasibility of GSTC3 in its further development as an efficient anti-atherosclerotic drug candidate.