Effects of Curcuma Longa on proliferation of cultured bovine smooth musclecells and on expression of low density lipoprotein receptor in cells

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of aqueous turmeric extract (AqT) and serum of rats orally treated with ethanol extract of turmeric (S eT) on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and its effects on the expression of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) antigen on t he surface of smooth muscle cells. Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the expression of LDL -R protein and thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay for the proliferation of VSMC wer e used in this study. Results Both aqueous turmeric extract (AqT) and serum of rats orally treate d with ethanol extract of turmeric (SeT) could inhibit 10% serum activated proliferation of VSMC. The inhibition shown in both experiments was dose-de pendent with an inhibitory rate of 18.9% at 20 mg/ml AqT and rate of 20.1% at 10% SeT respectively. AqT up-regulated the expression of LDL-R protein w ith a highest rate at 5 mg/ml AqT in 3% lipoprotein deficient serum (LPDS). SeT did not show significant effect on the expression of LDL-R on the surf ace of VSMC. Conclusion The extracts of turmeric may be extended to decrease the risk of atherosclerosis (AS).