Abstract

Herbs have been a great source of natural substances used to treat and prevent several cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, arrhythmia etc. Blood lipid levels and coagulation parameters are probably the major determinant of the development of cardiovascular diseases, hence the present study has been specifically designed to investigate the effect of Berberis aristata on lipid profile and coagulation parameters after high cholesterol diet for 45 days. The study was conducted on healthy rabbits of either sex. Biochemical tests were performed at the completion of dosing, that is, on 30th day and again after 45 days.Berberis Aristata (25 mg/kg) revealed a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein levels; more over, there was an increase in thrombin and fibrinogen time; however studies on large number of animals and humans are required before reaching any conclusion.

Key words: Berberis aristata, lipid profile, coagulation parameters.