HYPOLIPEMIC EFFECT OF FRUIT JUICE OF EMBLICA-OFFICINALIS IN CHOLESTEROL-FED RABBITS

The lipid lowering and antiatherosclerotic effects of Emblica officina lis (Amla) fresh juice were evaluated in cholesterol-fed rabbits (rend ered hyperlipidaemic by atherogenic diet and cholesterol feeding). E. officinalis fresh juice was administered at a dose of 5 ml/kg body wei ght per rabbit per day for 60 days. Serum cholesterol, TG, phospholipi d and LDL levels were lowered by 82%, 66%, 77% and 90%, respectively. Similarly, the tissue lipid levels showed a significant reduction foll owing E. officinalis juice administration. Aortic plaques were regress ed. E. officinalis juice treated rabbits excreted more cholesterol and phospholipids, suggesting that the mode of absorption was affected. E . officinalis juice is an effective hypolipidaemic agent and can be us ed as a pharmaceutical tool in hyperlipidaemic subjects.