Cholesterol lowering activity of homoeopathic preparations of Colchicum autumnale – An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: Total cholesterol content of erythrocyte membranes plays a critical role in atherosclerotic plaque progression and instability. Several homoeopathic medicines are known to have a significant role in the control of hyperlipidaemia. Colchicum autumnale is a plant remedy used mainly for gout, but also for hyperlipidaemia. Objectives: This is a study to assess the in vitro anti-cholesterol action of the Colchicum autumnale (Colch. at.) on the erythrocyte membrane. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a hyperlipidaemic blood sample which was divided into eight parts. Six different potencies of Colch. at. were tested, and two controls, one negative and another positive were used. Cholesterol was estimated using Liberman Burchard reagent and spectrophotometry. Results: In a hyperlipidemic blood sample, the range of reduction of cholesterol concentration was from 18.20% to 19.16%. The 6C potency removed 18.24% of cholesterol,12C potency removed 18.50% cholesterol,30C potency removed 19.02% cholesterol,200C potency removed 19.68% cholesterol and 10M potency removed 19.16% cholesterol. The maximum effect was seen in 1M potency where the reduction was 19.68 %. Conclusion: This study suggests that the Colchicum autumnale might be useful for the management of hypercholesterolemia.