EFFECTS OF TURMERIC EXTRACT ON LIPID PROFILE IN HUMAN-SUBJECTS

We investigated the unique cholesterol lowering property of turmeric ( Curcuma longa). Total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprot ein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C ) was measured in 33 subjects before and 15, 30 and 60 days after turm eric extract treatment (1 g turmeric extract twice a day). In all the subjects, total cholesterol (9.6-12.5%), triglyceride (16.2-34.3%) and LDL-C cholesterol (3.5-17%) declined significantly within 15 days. Ho wever, a minimal, though not significant, increase, occurred in HDL-ch olesterol (5.5-8.5%). Although there was a 11.8% reduction in total ch olesterol in normal subjects, the levels were within the normal range (3.6-9.2%). A similar trend occurred in triglycerides levels. Furtherm ore, this hypolipaemic effect of turmeric extract was accompanied by d ecreased plasma lipid peroxidation. The antioxidant property and use o f turmeric are discussed for the prevention of coronary heart disease.