INSIGHT INTO THE ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC PROPERTIES OF TRADITIONAL HERBAL PLANTS: A PHARMACOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, with hyperlipidemia serving as a significant risk factor. In frame with statin’s side effects, alternative therapeutic options to statins must be explored. Recently, attention has been paid to traditional herbal plants in their potential lipid regulation, and Clerodendrum inerme and Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. are likely candidates due to their diversity of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and sterols. This review examines the antihyperlipidemic mechanisms of C. inerme and C. infortunatum, particularly focusing on C. infortunatum they are composed of inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, modulation of lipid metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of lipid transport and excretion. The preclinical studies show that effectively reduces cholesterol and triglycerides making it a viable alternative or an adjunct to conventional lipid-lowering therapies. Although it traditionally has been used as medicine, there are no large-scale clinical trials, nor are its pharmacokinetics and safety profile known. Future research should aim at maximizing the bioavailability of the new drug through novel drug formulation and convenient combinations with currently available lipid-lowering agents. C. inerme and C. infortunatum integration into mainstream cardiovascular therapy requires standardized extraction techniques, as well as clinical validation.