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Hyperlipidemia is currently listed as one of the leading problems associated with the increased risk of coronary and extra-coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Since the effectiveness of the existing medications differ, the potential use of herbs and their effects on the hyperlipidemia is of great interest. This review summarizes observations on the efficacy of plant bioactive compounds in the management of hyperlipidemia. Based on the available randomized controlled clinical trials and meta-analysis data, garlic, turmeric, artichoke, green tea, grape, mastiha, red yeast rice and olive leaf have shown the promising lipid lowering effects. However, there is an urgent need for well-designed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-center clinical trials with the standardized dose of bioactive components to confirm the efficacy of these plant bioactive compounds in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia.

The key elements of serendipity are luck and contemplation. The discovery process includes the recognition of the finding potential based on knowledge and experience. Serendipitous discoveries are common in biomedical sciences. A significant number of pharmaceuticals is the result of serendipity. Drugs belonging to antimicrobial agents, central nervous system active substances as well as antitumor agents, gained great benefit from serendipity conditions. Besides in the traditional, irrational approach in the drug design, serendipitous discoveries have also played role in modern strategies, such as the drug repositioning and the development of multi-target antitumor agents. Serendipitous drugs discoveries can be classified as laboratory or clinical ones, depending on the drug development stage and the circumstances under which the combination of unforeseen events, the knowledge and skills of the researcher occurred. The discovery of a new drug is impossible without outstanding science as well as the dedication, freedom, and open-mindedness of the researcher to act, think, take a risk, and challenge dogmas.

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