Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Effect of Morinda citrifolia Fruit Extract Capsule on Total Cholesterol Levels in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia

Grace Santhy Sasnan¹ , Endang Hanani¹, Jusuf Kristianto²

¹Faculty of Pharmacy; ²Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Depok, 16424, Indonesia.

For correspondence:- Grace Sasnan Email: gracesanthysasnan@gmail.com Tel:+622198769399

Received: 11 October 2013 Accepted: 23 June 2014 Published: 18 August 2014

Citation: Sasnan GS, Hanani E, Kristianto J. Effect of Morinda citrifolia Fruit Extract Capsule on Total Cholesterol Levels in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia. Trop J Pharm Res 2014; 13(8):1319-1326 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v13i8.17

© 2014 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the reducing effect of Morinda citrifolia capsules (MCC) on total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in hypercholesterolemia patients.

Methods: This study was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, with 60 subjects placed in two groups, viz, experimental (MCC group) and placebo (P group). The first group received two capsules of MCC (each capsule contains 500 mg extract) while the second group received two capsules of placebo (comprised of 500 mg fillers) 3 times daily, for 14 days for both groups. Overnight fasting cubiti venous blood (3 mL) was taken from each subject each time measurements were carried out. TC and LDL-C were measured by spectrophotometric assay using an automated analyzer.

Results: The results show that there was significant decrease in TC and LDL-C on day 14, compared to control (P group). Reduction in TC and LDL-C was 13.8 and 15.5 %, respectively. Decrease in TC and LDL-C levels was influenced by factors, such as age, BMI, exercise, diet, and smoking habits. In MCC group, the capsules significantly decreased TC levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results suggest that 1 g MCC, given orally thrice daily, significantly reduces TC and LDL-C levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Cholesterol levels, Morinda citrifolia