Lipid-lowering and weight-regulating effects of Triphala aqueous extract in a therapeutic rat model of hypercholesterolemia

Introduction: Triphala, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation composed of Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., and Phyllanthus emblica L., is associated with metabolic regulation. This study evaluated the lipid-lowering effects of Triphala aqueous extract (TPL) in a therapeutic rat model of hypercholesterolemia and explored a potential mechanism involving 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibition. Methods: Male Wistar rats received cholesterol (2 g/kg, intragastric) in corn oil for 3 weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. After biochemical confirmation, rats were assigned to six groups (n = 6 each): normal diet, hypercholesterolemic control, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), or TPL (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). Cholesterol administration continued throughout the 6-week treatment period. Serum lipid profiles and body weight were monitored. HMG-CoA reductase inhibition by TPL and individual fruit extracts was assessed. Results: TPL 250 and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), whereas TPL 500 mg/kg significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P