Evaluation of Anti Cholesterol and Antioxidant Potentiality of Aqueous Extracts of Citrus aurantifolia, Zingiber officinale and its Formulation - a Comparative In vitro Study

Background: Several plant extracts and herbs have been used for treating and prevention of cardiovascular diseases hypertension, angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, cerebral and venous insufficiency and arrhythmia. Similarly, aqueous extracts of Citrus aurantifolia and Zingiber officinale which is commonly called as lemon and ginger respectively and its formulation were analysed for its antioxidant and anti cholesterol activity.

Objective: This research has been performed in order to evaluate the anti cholesterol and antioxidant potentiality of aqueous extracts of Citrus aurantifolia, Zingiber officinale and its formulation respectively.

Methods: The study setting carried out for this research was in vitro, hence the work was performed outside the living organism. Citrus aurantifolia and Zingiber officinale were purchased from a farm in chennai. The experiment began starting from the preparation of aqueous extract of lemon and ginger. A formulation was made combining equal amounts of the two extracts followed by this, a phytochemical screening test was conducted. Antioxidant and anti cholesterol potential of the extracts and its formulation were also analysed. The data was statistically examined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) continued by Duncan’s multiple range test, it was compiled to see the statistical significance among the groups present. The results carrying p<0.05 level were contemplated to be statistically significant.

Result: From the study, though both the extracts possessed a good antioxidant and anti cholesterol potential, comparatively the formulation exhibited an increased antioxidant and anti cholesterol potential respectively (IC₅₀ = 250 µg/ml) and (IC₅₀= 375µg per ml). Here, the formulation exhibited significantly more activity than the individual extracts.

Conclusion: Even though there is sufficient knowledge among citizens about the nutritional value present in herbal formulations, there isn’t enough in-depth study conducted on the formulation of these two extracts based on their cholesterol inhibitory activity. From this particular study it was proven that the formulation showed synergism. Hence the formulation of these extracts could be preferred over other synthetic drugs since it is natural, cost effective and easily accessible.