Katuka (Picrorhiza kurroa) may be a potential treatment for high blood cholesterol, a new study suggests.
The Department of Pharmacology and Environmental Toxicology at the University of Madras in India evaluated the protective effect of picroliv (PIC) obtained from Picrorhiza kurroa against hydrazine (Hz)-induced high blood cholesterol in rats.
The katuka plant is native to the Himalayas and is now part of Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for primarily gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion and constipation. Usually the root or rhizome of the plant is used medicinally. Preliminary studies in animals indicate that katuka may be useful for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disorders and wound healing. However, there is currently insufficient evidence available in humans to support the use of katuka for any indication.
The study showed that Hz administration 50 milligrams/kilogram caused an increase in triglyceride, cholesterol, free fatty acids and total lipids in both the plasma and liver tissue of rats accompanied by a fall in phospholipids in the liver tissue 24 hours after its administration, indicating its cholesterol-raising property. This abnormality was prevented by simultaneous treatment of the katuka extract 50 milligrams/kilogram with Hz.
The study found that katuka extract-alone treatment, however, did not produce any change in the status of all the lipid parameters evaluated in plasma, liver and adipose (fatty) tissues.
The study stated that these results indicated that increased mobilization of depot fats from adipose tissue may contribute to the development of liver damage.
The study concluded that a katuka extract prevents Hz-induced high blood cholesterol, liver damage and mobilization of lipids from depot fats, but the mechanism behind the protective effect of the katuka extract remains to be determined.
References
1.Vivekanandan P, Gobianand K, Priya S, et al. Protective effect of picroliv against hydrazine-induced hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol. 2007;30(3):241-52. View Abstract.
2.Natural Standard Research Collaboration: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
http://www.depsyl.com
http://back2basicnutrition.com
http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com
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