A Study to Compare Hypolipidemic Effects of Allium Sativum (Garlic) Alone and in Combination with Atorvastatin or Ezetimibe in Experimental Model

Background: Dyslipidemia is a major cause of atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis induced conditions. Atorvastatin is an effective drug for dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Ezetimibe is used as an adjunct to statins hypercholesterolemia. Garlic is known for the hypolipidemic effect in traditional medicine. There are very limited studies comparing the additive effects of Allium sativum on atorvastatin and ezetimibe. Aims: To compare the additive hypolipidemic effects of Allium sativum with atorvastatin and ezetimibe. Setting and Design: The experimental study was done in Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan from February 2014 - October 2015. Material and Methods: Dyslipidemia rat by (induced by atherogenic diet) were randomized into five groups of six rats in each and each cage was labelled for identification of different groups and treated with drugs (atorvastatin, ezetimibe, garlic homogenate, atorvastatin + garlic homogenate, ezetimibe + garlic homogenate) for twelve weeks and assessment of lipid profiles were done. Change of parameters checked for any significant difference by appropriate statistical tests. Results: Significant TC (Total Cholesterol) & TG (Triglyceride) concentrations reduction were maximum among ezetimibe group (51% and 47%) respectively. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) & VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) concentrations reduction were maximum (62% and 26%) among combination of atorvastatin and garlic group when compared to other treatment groups. HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) concentration was maximally increased (31%) among combination ezetimibe and garlic group which was also statistically significant. Conclusion: Garlic have significant hypolipidemic effect when used in combination with atorvastatin and ezetimibe.