THE EFFECT OF CRATAEGUS (HAWTHORN) EXTRACT ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH SIMVASTATIN ON SERUM LIPID PROFILE IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC ALBINO RATS

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of death in first world countries. Hyperlipi-demia is one of the high risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Crataegus monogyna has acqui-red an eminent position in remedies for hyperlipidemia. Study Design: It is a case – controlled interventional study of eight weeks’ duration. Sample: 100 adult male albino rats weighing about 250 – 300g divided randomly into five groups A, B, C, D and E. Result: Crataegus is as effective in lowering cholesterol as simvastatin. However, when compared with combination of Crataegus and simvastatin, Crataegus alone was found to yield better results. Both of the drugs are equally effective in lowering triglycerides. HDL level significantly increases in all groups whereas LDL level decreases in groups C, D and E. However only group E was close to normal control group A. Conclusion: Crataegus shows tremendous potential as natural lipid lowering agent, devoid of side effects. In future there is scope in study and use of this ‘miracle herb’ as anti-hyperlipidemic agent.