Lipids and cholesterol esterifying enzyme changes by Anna Pavala Sindhooram therapy in experimental rat hyperlipaemia

The effect of Anna Pavala Sindhooram (APS), an indigenous drug showing lipid lowering action was tested in experimental rat atherosclerosis induced by feeding an atherogenic diet. APS was found to decrease the levels of serum cholesterol and phospholipids while triglycerides remained unaffected in atherogenic diet fed rats. Lipid levels in the aorta, liver and intestine were also increased by atherogenic diet feeding, and APS administration with diet restriction reversed this trend. Cholesterol ester was lowered. Both cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) and synthetase (CES) activities in the tissues were elevated while the CEH/CES ratio was lowered in atherosclerosis. APS administration led to a decrease in enzyme activities and an increase in the CEH/CES ratio. APS in vitro inhibited both enzyme activities. NMR spectroscopic studies showed that the soluble components of APS bind or modify cholesterol. Iron, copper, magnesium and calcium present in APS may play a role in the removal of cholesterol ester from the aorta and its disposal.