The Effect of Polyherbal Containing Tamarindus Indica and Murraya Paniculata Leaf Extract on Triglyceride Level Using a Rat Model of Hypertriglyceridemia

The current anti-hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) medications still have side effects such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, liver damage, and insulin resistance. The development and discovery of new, safer agents to treat hypertriglyceridemia is urgently needed. The leaves of Murraya paniculata have been empirically used for lowering lipids. Meanwhile, Tamarindus indica leaves are reported to contain high antioxidants and anti-diabetic activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the combination effect of leaf extracts from Tamarindus indica and Murraya paniculata to treat hypertriglyceridemia in animal models and to predict the optimum ratio. Hypertriglyceridemic Wistar rats were developed by feeding the high fat-sucrose diet for 75 days. The combination of T. indica extract (TIE) and M. paniculata extract (MPE) was made following the Simplex Lattice Design ranging from 50:350 to 350:50, producing denoted ratios TIE:MPE: (i) 50:350, (ii) 125:275, (iii) 200:200, (iv) 275:125, and (v) 350:50. The extract was given to hyperlipidemic animals orally once per day for 14 days at a dose of 400 mg/kgBW. Prior to the in vivo assay, both extracts were analyzed for their phytochemical content (mineral, phenol and flavonoid content) and water content. The result of lipid profile measurements showed that the combination of 350:50 mg/kgBW (TIE:MPE) gave the strongest effect in lowering triglyceride (p<0.05). As the composition of the TIE extract increased, the TG-lowering effect appeared to strengthen and the body weight gain of rats also decreased in a dose dependent manner. The liver protective activity was observed in all combinations based on hepatic catalase and malondialdehyde measurement. Administration of the combined extract with a high proportion of TIE tends to provide better enhancement of muscle lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. In conclusion, it was proven that the combination of Tamarindus indica and Murraya paniculata leaf extracts significantly reduced triglycerides level in animal models. The optimum effect was achieved at a ratio of 350:50 mg/kgBW (TIE:MPE). Finally, purification of extract from primary fat components is suggested for further research.