Scientific Research on Maharishi Ayurveda

antioxidant research > antioxidant study 10

Antioxidant Study #10

Title
Inhibition of Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation by Oral Herbal Mixtures Maharishi Amrit Kalash-4 (MAK-4) and Maharishi Amrit Kalash-5 (MAK-5) in Hyperlipidemic Patients

Publication
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, Vol. 314, No. 5, pp. 303-310, 1997.

Authors
Vidya Sundaram, M.D.,* Atef N. Hanna, Ph.D.,** Gary P. Lubow, M.D.,** Lata Koneru, M.D.,Ú James M. Falko, M.D.,* and Hari M. Sharma, M.D.**

Conducted at
*Department of Internal Medicine and **Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
ÚDepartment of Internal Medicine, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH.

Summary
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation is central to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of MAK-4 and MAK-5 in vivo. Ten hyperlipidemic patients prescribed stable hypolipidemic therapy were treated with MAK-4 and MAK-5 for 18 weeks. Plasma lipoprotein, plasma lipid peroxide, and LDL oxidation studies were performed every 6 weeks. Apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein (a) levels were measured at baseline and 18 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment with MAK-4 and MAK-5, a time-dependent increase in the lag phase and delay in the propagation phase of oxidation of LDL by Cu+2 and endothelial cells was seen. Lag phases at baseline and after 6, 12, and 18 weeks of MAK-4 and MAK-5 ingestion were 6.66 hours ± 0.19 (mean ± standard error of mean), 6.77 hours ± 0.31, 7.22 hours ± 0.24, and 18.00 hours ± 0.73, respectively, for Cu+2-catalyzed LDL oxidation. Lag phases were 14.89 hours ± 0.77, 13.33 hours ± 0.50, 20.22 hours ± 0.76, and 20.00 hours ± 0.79, respectively, for endothelial cell-induced LDL oxidation. The levels of plasma lipid peroxide did not change significantly. No significant changes were seen in the plasma lipoproteins and the levels of apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein (a). The results show that MAK-4 and MAK-5 inhibit LDL oxidation in patients with hyperlipidemia. Therefore, MAK-4 and MAK-5 may be useful in the prevention and treatment of atheroslerosis.