Anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effect of the drug Guggulutiktaka ghrita on high-fat diet-induced obese rats

BACKGROUND: Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine and describes a vast array of herbs and herbal mixtures that are been demonstrated to possess efficacy in research investigations. Guggulutikthaka gritha (GTG) is one such drug evaluated for its role in skin and bone diseases. OBJECTIVE: In the current study, the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effect of the drug GTG was studied with the scope to treat dyslipidemia and thereby reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The animals (Wistar rats) were fed a high-fat diet and dyslipidemia was induced. The control group was provided with a normal chow diet and had free access to water. The treatment with the drug GTG was given for 21 days after confirming dyslipidemia. The blood glucose was measured immediately using a glucometer. The serum was analyzed for lipid profile and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule – 1(VCAM 1) by ELISA method before and after treatment. The histopathology of the heart and liver was also performed. RESULTS: The abnormal change in lipid profile, blood glucose, and inflammatory marker along with the accumulation of intracellular fats in the arteries of the heart and liver confirmed dyslipidemia. A significant reduction in serum lipid profile (p < 0.05), blood glucose (p < 0.05), and VCAM 1 (p < 0.05) was noted after the treatment with significant histopathological changes in arteries of the heart and liver. CONCLUSION: The study provides scientific validation on the drug GTG being effective in hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and inflammation in dyslipidemia.