Aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Averrhoa carambola (star fruit) were evaluated for cholesterol lowering effect, in vitro, against various fatty food materials. Peoples are consuming food items made out of chicken, beef, mutton, egg and fish which contains large amount of fat.
This study aims to analyze the effect of Averrhoa carambola in reducing the cholesterol level in this fat compound using water extract of the pulp.
For this fatty food samples like egg yolk, pork fat, chicken fat , ghee and cod liver oil were treated with the extract and cholesterol level was estimated by Zak’s method for a period of time. Phytochemical constituents present in water extract of Averrhoa carambola Linn. pulp includes alkaloids, saponins, steroids, phlobatannins, carbohydrate, terpenoids, phenols, coumarins, flavonoids and leucoanthocyanins.
The in vitro cholesterol lowering effect of Averrhoa carambola pulp extract shows a positive result on reducing chicken fat, ghee and egg yolk. But in case of cod liver oil no beneficial change was observed.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives
2. Review of literature
3. Hypothesis
4. Materials and Methods
4.1 Study area
4.2 Collection of plant material
4.3 Preparation of Averrhoa carambola fruit pulp extracts
4.4 Phytochemical screening
4.5 Preparation of cholesterol samples
4.6 Treatment
4.7 Estimation of cholesterol
4.8 Statistical analysis
5. Results and discussion
6. Conclusions
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the phytochemical composition of methanol and water extracts of Averrhoa carambola (star fruit) and to determine its in vitro efficiency in reducing cholesterol levels across various fatty food materials.
- Phytochemical screening of Averrhoa carambola fruit pulp extracts.
- Evaluation of the cholesterol-lowering potential against various dietary fats.
- Application of Zak’s method for quantitative cholesterol estimation.
- Assessment of the impact of dietary fiber and phytosterols on lipid reduction.
- Analysis of the correlation between treatment duration and cholesterol depletion.
Excerpt from the Publication
1. Introduction
Plants are the gifts of nature to human beings for basic preventive and curative Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Plants have always been an exemplary source of drugs and many of the currently available drugs have been derived directly or indirectly from them (Kamboj, 2000). Herbal medicines have often retained popularity for historical and cultural ingredients and are used primarily for treating mild and chronic ailments. India has an ancient heritage of traditional medicines; Materia Medica of India provides lots of information on the folklore practices and traditional aspects of therapeutically important natural products (Kirtikar and Basu, 2005). Indian Materia Medica includes about 2000 drugs of natural origin almost all of which are derived from different traditional systems and folklore practices. Out of these drugs derived from traditional system, 400 are of mineral and animal origin while the rest are of the vegetable origin. Natural products and especially those derived from higher plants have historically played a pivotal role in the discovery of new pharmaceuticals (Mukherjee, 2002). Undoubtedly, the plant kingdom still holds many species of plants containing substances of medicinal value which have yet to be discovered.
Star fruit or carambola (Averrhoa carambola Linn.) is a tropical fruit native to South East Asia, where it enjoys great popularity. Carambola fruit have an overall poor nutritional profile, except for their high vitamin C content which credits them with several wonderful health benefits. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, with immune boosting properties and an anti-aging action. With good dietary fibre content, carambola helps lower blood cholesterol levels and contributes to colon health.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical significance of herbal medicine and introduces star fruit as a potential therapeutic agent for cholesterol management.
2. Review of literature: Examines existing studies on medicinal plants, traditional systems, and the biochemical properties of cholesterol and star fruit.
3. Hypothesis: Formulates the central research premise that star fruit extracts contain rich phytochemicals capable of reducing cholesterol.
4. Materials and Methods: Details the site of collection, extraction processes, various phytochemical screening tests, and the laboratory procedures for cholesterol estimation.
5. Results and discussion: Presents the findings of the phytochemical screening and the quantitative impact of the fruit extract on different fat samples over a 12-day period.
6. Conclusions: Summarizes the study’s findings, confirming that the extract shows significant potential in reducing cholesterol in most tested fats, excluding cod liver oil.
Keywords
Averrhoa carambola, Star fruit, Cholesterol, Zak’s method, Hypercholesterolemia, Phytochemical screening, Dietary fiber, Phytosterols, Traditional medicine, Antioxidants, Medicinal plants, Lipid profile, Aqueous extract, Metabolism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research investigates the phytochemical composition of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) and its potential effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels in various fatty food sources.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers botanical characteristics of star fruit, traditional medicinal uses, qualitative phytochemical screening, and in vitro experimental analysis of lipid reduction.
What is the main objective of the study?
The objective is to quantify the cholesterol-lowering efficiency of aqueous star fruit pulp extracts on specific fats like egg yolk, pork fat, chicken fat, ghee, and cod liver oil.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The study employs qualitative chemical color tests for phytochemical screening and Zak’s method to estimate cholesterol concentrations before and after treatment.
What does the main body of the text discuss?
It provides an overview of herbal medicine, detailed protocols for extract preparation, the methodology for testing 15 different phytochemical constituents, and the results of the 12-day treatment study.
How would you characterize the keywords of this work?
The work is characterized by terms related to phytochemistry, clinical biochemistry (cholesterol), traditional medicine, and specific plant-based therapeutics.
Did the extract prove effective for all tested substances?
The extract showed significant reduction in cholesterol for egg yolk, pork fat, chicken fat, and ghee, but showed no beneficial change in the case of cod liver oil.
How long did the experimental observation last?
The experiment involved monitoring cholesterol levels periodically over a duration of 12 days.
What role does dietary fiber play according to the research?
The study highlights that the high dietary fiber content in star fruit aids in binding lipids and preventing their absorption, contributing to a cholesterol-lowering effect.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Prem Jose Vazhacharickal (Author), Jiby John Mathew (Author), Sajeshkumar N. K. (Author), Ratheesh Mohanan (Author), Ellamplackill Surya Santhosh (Author), 2017, Phytochemical analysis and cholesterol lowering efficiency of Averrhoa carambola Linn (star fruit)., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/369802
