HYPOLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF CORIANDER SEEDS (CORIANDRUM-SATIVUM) - MECHANISM OF ACTION

The effect of the administration of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativu m) on the metabolism of lipids was studied in rats fed a high fat diet with added cholesterol. The spice had a significant hypolipidemic act ion. The levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides decreased signi ficantly in the tissues of the animals of the experimental group which received coriander seeds. Significant increases in beta-hydroxy, beta -methyl glutaryl CoA reductase and plasma lecithin cholesterol acyl tr ansferase activity were noted in the experimental group. The level of LDL + VLDL cholesterol decreased while that of HDL cholesterol increas ed in the experimental group compared to the control group. The increa sed activity of plasma LCAT, enhanced hepatic bile acid synthesis and the increased degradation of cholesterol to fecal bile acids and neutr al sterols appeared to account for its hypocholesterolemic effect.