Effect of Anna Pavala Sindhooram on plasma and aortic lipids in experimental atherosclerosis

The effect of orally administered Anna Pavala Sindhooram (APS), a herbo-mineral Sidha formulation was investigated on experimental atherosclerosis. Rabbits were fed a cholesterol rich (0.5%) diet for 6 months to induce atherosclerosis. These animals were then divided into six groups and given 50 mg of APS powder/day/animal for a further 6 months. At the end of the experimental period the animals were killed, and their plasma and aortic lipid components estimated. Atherosclerotic lesions of the aorta were quantified and examined histologically. Synthesis of lipids using [14C]acetate as a precursor was studied after i.v. injection. APS was found to be hypolipidemic and induced partial regression of rabbit atheroma and decreased lipogenesis. The results indicate that APS may play an anti-atherogenic role if used in larger doses.