%0 Journal Article
%T Inhibition of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase (Ex Vivo) by Morus indica (Mulberry)
%A Vanitha Reddy Palvai
%A Asna Urooj
%J Chinese Journal of Biology
%D 2014
%R 10.1155/2014/318561
%X Phytochemicals are the bioactive components that contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular and other degenerative diseases. Inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase would be an effective means of lowering plasma cholesterol in humans. The present study explores the HMG CoA reductase inhibitory effect of extracts from leaves of Morus indica varieties, M5, V1, and S36, compared with the statin, using an ex vivo method. The assay is based on the stoichiometric formation of coenzyme A during the reduction of microsomal HMG CoA to mevalonate. Dechlorophyllised extract of three varieties was studied at 300£¿¦Ìg. The coenzyme A released at the end of assay in control (100.31£¿nmoles) and statins (94.46£¿nm) was higher than the dechlorphyllised extracts of the samples. The coenzyme A released during the reduction of HMG CoA to mevalonate in dechlorophyllised extracts of the samples was as follows: S36 M5 V1. The results indicated that the samples were highly effective in inhibiting the enzyme compared to statins (standard drug). The results indicate the role of Morus varieties extracts in modulating the cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting the activity of HMG CoA reductase. These results provide scope for designing in vivo animal studies to confirm their effect. 1. Introduction Cholesterol as a constituent of all eukaryotic plasma membranes is essential for the growth and viability of higher organisms. For healthy statue cholesterol homeostasis is very important and is accomplished by a regulatory complex network [1]. The hypercholesterolemia and elevated LDL-C (LDL-cholesterol) concentration are the major risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease [2]. In this consequence, reducing plasma cholesterol levels is one of the major aims of public health organizations [3]. Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA reductase) is the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol in humans; inhibition of this enzyme would be an effective means of lowering plasma cholesterol. Drugs like statins, fibrates, niacin, and so forth are used to lower cholesterol. Due to the prevalence of these drugs adverse effects, search was made for an alternative natural drug [4]. Medicinal plants are good sources of therapeutic components and their use for medical purposes has a long history. Over past years, extracts of medicinal plants have gained increasing importance as a source of herbal drugs [5]. Exploration of the chemical constituents of the plants and pharmacological screening will thus
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/cjb/2014/318561/