INFLUENCE OF ABANA ON EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROGENESIS IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC RABBITS

An experimental, placebo-controlled study with rabbits was conducted t o determine the role of Abana, an Ayurvedic preparation, on atheroscle rosis. The results showed that Abana arrested the rise in TC, LDLc and VLDLc when administered along with an atherogenic diet for 60 days. I n another phase of the study, when Abana was given from days 60-120 to rabbits who were made hyperlipidemic by feeding them an atherogenic d iet for 60 days, Abana brought the-TC, LDLc and VLDLc levels back to n ormal. On the other hand, the levels of the cardioprotective HDLc were elevated by Abana administration in both phases of the study. Histolo gical pictures showed pronounced reduction in the atherosclerotic invo lvement of the coronary artery following treatment with Abana. The arc hitecture of the coronary artery returned almost to normal. These find ings substantiate the possible role of Abana in the reduction, prevent ion and reversal of atherosclerosis.