Abstract
Background: The lipid lowering activity of herbs plays an important role in the reduction of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); where there is relation between low density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction and decreased CVD mortality. Consequently, medicinal plant lipid lowering activity for phyto-medicine research and drug development for such a disease are now focused all over the world. Hridayarnava Rasa (HR) is herbo-mineral formulation told in the classics for the treatment of Hridroga (cardiac diseases). Ingredients of this formulation like Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper), Triphala Kwatha (decoction of three myrobalans) and juice of Solanum nigrum Linn. are proven antihyperlipidemic.

Aim: In present study, antihyperlipidemic activity of HR prepared from two samples of Tamra Bhasma (Shodhita and Ashodhita) is carried out to assess the impact of Shodhana procedure on efficacy of whole formulation.

Materials and methods: STBHR (HR prepared from Shodhita Tamra Bhasma) and ATBHR (HR prepared from Ashodhita Tamra Bhasma) were prepared as per the classical references. Hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding high fat diet in Wistar strain albino rats. The parameters including body weight, weight of various organs, serum lipid profile and histopathology of liver, kidney, heart and aorta were studied. Statistical analysis used: Statistical comparisons were performed by both unpaired student’s t test and one way ANOVA with Dunnets’ multiple t test as post-hoc test by using Sigma stat software (version 3.1) for all the treated groups. P value less than 0.05 were considered as significant.

Results: Treatment with STBHR attenuated serum cholesterol and triglyceride but not to the significant extent, while treatment with ATBHR failed to attenuate any lipid profile. STBHR also attenuated the hyperlipidemic diet induced pathological changes whereas ATBHR failed to do so.

Conclusion: Hridayarnava Rasa prepared from Shodhita Tamra Bhasma shows mild antihyperlipidemic activity whereas the same prepared from Ashodhita Tamra Bhasma lacks it.

Key words: Bhasma, Copper, Hyperlipidemia, Mercury, Solanum nigrum Linn., Triphala.