Journal of CardioVascular Insights

Abstract

Ligaria cuneifolia (Lc) is traditionally used to improve blood fluidity and reduce plasma cholesterol.

Objectives: to analyze the effect of Lc infusion on plasma cholesterol [C] and erythrocyte deformability at high shear rate, estimated by the rigidity index [RI] in hypercholesterolemic patients.

Methods: Seventeen patients (50 ± 14 years) from the Cardiology Service, Hospital Provincial Centenario, received lyophilized Lc extract in tea bags three times per week for 30 days. Baseline [B] and after treatment with lyophilized Lc extract [TLc] blood samples were collected. Measurements: Plasma total C [TC], HDL-C and LDL-C, colorimetrically. In blood, erythrocyte membrane cholesterol [MC] extracting lipis from lysed erythrocyte membranes. RI was determined by a filtration method.

Results: Media ±SD: TC, B: 240.8 ±25.5 vs TLc: 231.2± 31.8*; HDL-C: B: 60.6 ±14.1 vs TLc: 61.3 ±16.1 ns; LDL-C, B: 183,2 ± 27,2 vs TLc: 169,9 ± 30,9**; Blood: IR B: 13.7 ± 5.6 vs TLc: 11.6 ± 5.1 *; MC B: 0.96± 0.11 TLc 0.67 ± 0.11 **. [**p< 0.01 and *p< 0.05 vs. B ; ns: non significant vs B].

Conclusions: in the patients studied, treatment with Lc generated a significant decrease in TC and LDL-C, without inducing changes in HDL-C. At the cellular level, decreases in MC and RI were observed, suggesting improved erythrocyte deformability at the microcirculatory level. Furthermore, considering that elevated LDL-C levels are associated with the development of atherosclerosis, these findings support the potential usefulness of Lc in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.