Regulatory effect of Phikud Navakot extract on HMG-CoA reductase and LDL-R: potential and alternate agents for lowering blood cholesterol

Abstract

BackgroundFor decades, various cardiovascular symptoms have been relieved by the use of Ya-Hom Navakot, which is a formulation comprising 54 herbal medicines. The Thailand Ministry of Public Health listed Ya-Hom Navakot’s nine active principle and nomenclative herbal ingredients and termed them ‘Phikud Navakot’ (PN). Several reports have confirmed that PN has cardiovascular benefits similar to Ya-Hom Navakot. However, whether PN facilitates lipid-lowering activity remains unclear.MethodsThe present study investigated an in vitro model for examining the gene expression levels of 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) in HepG2 cells using qRT-PCR. The ethanol and water extractions of Ya-Hom Navakot, PN and Ya-Hom Navakot without PN were compared.ResultsOne mg/ml of both NYEF and NYWF were found to significantly lower cholesterol by either the up-regulation of LDL-R or down-regulation of HMGCR compared with negative controls and 1 mg/ml simvastatin (p < 0.05). PNEF also up-regulated LDL-R gene expression, even more than NYEF (p < 0.05). In addition, the ethanol and water extracts of PN significantly down-regulated HMGCR gene expression compared with those of Ya-Hom Navakot without PN (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe use of Ya-Hom Navakot or PN may provide an alternative treatment to lower cholesterol through HMGCR gene inhibition and LDL-R gene enhancement.

Effect and mechanism of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor on the improvement of elderly essential hypertension-induced vascular endothelial function impairment based on the JAK/STAT pathway

“…From the aforesaid clinical trials and related articles [ 28 , 29 ], it is clear that HMG-CoA inhibitors are a group of drugs widely applied in hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease, which can improve endothelial functional impairment. Also, evidence has shown that the JAK/STAT pathway, which is activated during the progression of essential hypertension, exacerbates the development of vascular inflammation [ 30 ].…”

Phenolic Profiling with Antioxidant Activity of Thai Traditional Medicines: Phikud Bencha Thien, Kot and Keson Remedies

“…Some previous studies have investigated herbal formulae that contain BT, BK, or BKS as ingredients and found in vitro erythrocyte protective effects, anti-inflammatory activity, and blood cholesterol lowering activity. 2,3,4,5,6 However, to our knowledge, there has been no previous study examining the chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of BT, BK and BKS. Phenolic acids and flavonoids from were the main focus of the current study due to their well-known antioxidant activity.…”

Effects of Traditional Thai Herbal Formulations in Patients with Obesity and Borderline Hyperlipidemia - A Preliminary Pilot Study

“…Traditional Thai herbal medicine as an alternative treatment has a long history of usage and provides therapeutic options for dyslipidemia. 5 The hypolipidemic and laxative formulations used in this study have a wide range of biological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and laxative properties (Table 1). 6 -21 Four lipid-lowering mechanisms of herbal medicines have been reported including the inhibition of cholesterol absorption in enterocytes, reduction of cholesterol synthesis, elevation of reverse cholesterol transport, and promotion of cholesterol excretion in the liver.…”