Clinical evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of <i style="">Katuki </i>(<i style="">Picrorhiza kurroa </i>Royle ex Benth<i style="">.</i>) processed in <i style="">Guduchi </i>(<i style="">Tinospora cordifolia </i>Wild.) Miers in patients receiving lipid lowering drugs (Statins)

Abstract

The hypolipidaemic drugs have attracted considerable attention because of their potential to prevent cardiovascular disease by retarding the accelerated atherosclerosis in hyperlipidaemic individuals. Statins are the first choice drugs for primary hyperlipidaemias with raised LDL and total cholesterol levels, with or without raised triglycerides levels, as well as for secondary hypercholesterolemia. Statin therapy is commonly associated with liver damage in terms of elevated aminotransaminases. Simultaneous use of hepatotoxicity reducing formulation is desirable for successful continuation of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statins) over a desired period in hyperlipidaemic patients. So, the present clinical study was planned to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of <i>Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa </i>Royle ex Benth.)<i> </i>processed in<i> Guduchi [Tinospora cordifolia </i>(Wild.) Miers],<i> </i>on scientific parameters. In the present clinical trial, two groups of patients receiving standardized lipid lowering drug (Atrorvastatin 20 mg, twice daily) have been studied to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of<i> </i>these drugs. The first group was given 2 gm of <i>Katuki</i> processed in <i>Guduchi</i>, twice daily with statin therapy. The second group was given 500 mg of starch powder filled in capsules, twice daily with statin therapy. The trial was conducted for three months and liver functions test were periodically evaluated to assess the hepatoprotective effect of drugs under trial. At the end of the trial, trial group exhibited its hepatoprotective efficiency over the control.